For Albion striker Chris Wood it just keeps getting better and better as reality sets in that the teenager is going to the World Cup with New Zealand.

The boy inside the man’s body that belies his 17-year-old frame is now bound for the finals and knows just how lucky he is.

He said: “Ryan Giggs has never had the opportunity to go to a World Cup and he is one of the best players to have played in the Premier League.”

Giggs is not the only football luminary never to have graced the stage Wood is heading for next summer. Neither did Puskas, Di Stefano or Best. Or Ian Rush, Eric Cantona or George Weah.

It will be understandable if despite a safe landing in Brum his feet are still walking on air such is the rush of thrills coming his way this season – first-team starts, that spectacular first Hawthorns goal, a promotion challenge and now this.

Wood said: “The last time New Zealand were at a World Cup was almost 10 years before I was even born. Ricki Herbert our coach was at the 1982 World Cup as was Wynton Rufer, who I’m good family friends with.

“Now we’re the new heroes and it feels very special. My initial feeling was just amazement at the final whistle.

“It’s a very big achievement and I’m full of happiness and excitement about going to the World Cup – the biggest international stage in the world.”