West Brom Loans a stepladder to success – Slaven Bilic

Leko and Field are currently enjoying successful loans at Charlton where they are both featuring regularly in the Championship.

Burke, meanwhile, is settling into life in Spain having joined La Liga outfit Alaves last month.

And Bilic – along with Albion loan manager Paul Terry – is keeping a close eye on their progress with the boss expecting them to be demanding a first-team place upon their return.

“We have Paul Terry as our loans manager, he makes reports and looks after the loan players but I like to call them and have a chat as well,” Bilic said.

“Leko, Sam Field, Burkey, I told them all exactly the same thing.

“We didn’t send them there because we have given up on them – on the contrary.

“If I’d given up on them I’d have kept them here so that we have more cover.

“That would have stopped them though, they’re young players.

“The plan is to go out, play 90 minutes or 60 minutes, be involved in a team, be part of something through the ups and downs, be responsible, and be an important part of something.

“Then come back next season, knock on my door and say I want to play – if they come back and do that I’ll be happier than them.”

Bilic admits he has been pleased with the start Leko and Field have made at Charlton.

“They’ve had a top start at Charlton, both of them are playing, the manager is happy with them both,” the 50-year-old continued.

“Now I’m expecting that to continue. They need to maintain and improve.

“Make no mistake, with Jonathan Leko it’s not a matter of quality – you can make 10 minutes from his three of four games, and it’d be like, wow – he’s a player.

“It’s about consistency. He has to get it and this is a great opportunity for himt.

“With Sam Field it’s about minutes.

“He needs to have that season living and playing and knowing he has to deliver.

“It’s not Jake Livermore is playing and I’m going to get 20 minutes.

“It’s an ideal situation. They can’t let this situation slip away from them.”