Albion new boy Graham Dorrans believes he can become the latest young Scot to benefit from manager Tony Mowbray’s magic touch.
The 21-year-old forward is hoping to follow in the footsteps of a host of his countrymen to prosper under Mowbray’s guidance. And Dorrans already has his sights fixed on a Baggies first team spot – although he admits he faces a fight to win a place in the team.
“From watching the team I can see it is attacking and I know he is good with youngsters from his time in Scotland at Hibs,” said Dorrans.
“He brought a lot of good youngsters through the youth ranks there and hopefully I can progress under the gaffer, push on into the squads and see where that takes me.
“I’m 21 and that’s not young in football any more so hopefully I can push on.
“But I’m not daft enough to think I’m going to walk straight into the team.”
Mowbray’s list of successes with young Scots at Hibernian included Scott Brown, Derek Riordan, Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thomson and Gary Caldwell, who have all since moved on to Old Firm giants Rangers and Celtic.
And under-21 international Dorrans is looking for Mowbray to be his new mentor after cutting his teeth under a former Livingston manager – Celtic hero and former European Cup winner Paul Lambert.
“He was there (Livingston) for a year or so it was nice to play under someone who had won the Champions League,” said Dorrans.
“He helped me press on and he put me out on loan when I was younger and brought me back into the team and gave me my first start so I am thankful to him. There are a few players who have moved on and done well.
“Wes Hoolahan did well at Blackpool and has now moved on to Norwich and David McNamee has been struggling with injuries but there are some good players coming out of there.
“It’s a good club with good players and I am looking forward to following in their footsteps and doing well down here.”
Dorrans is looking to build on the success of last season when he finished as Livinston leading scorer and player-of-the-season despite agreeing his move to Albion midway through the campaign.
“I was playing in midfield last season but I am more of an attacking midfielder on left or right,” said Dorrans.
“I like to get the ball an go forward with it and I managed to get a few goals last season which was one of my best so far.
“It was agreed back in the last transfer window so it was nice to get down here, get my first day out of the way and meet up with the lads again.
“I had already been down here but this is my first chance to use the facilities and they are great.
“Up in Scotland there are only a couple of clubs in Scotland with these type of facilities but all of the clubs down here have them.
“This club is one of the best I’ve seen. When I came down here for the first time I was impressed with everything so I am looking forward to it. I’ve been down to a few games and I have watched a few more.
“They’ve got a great bunch of lads are there are some great players.
“I was watching the results when I was still playing with Livingston and it was nice to see them get promoted and join the Premier League.
“I was supporting them because it’s always nice to join a Premier League club.
“I was still playing for Livingston at the time but I always had one eye on the results. When I signed I was pleased but I had to get my job done with Livingston.
“Now I am looking forward to my time here and getting as fit as possible.”
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