New Albion development coach David Oldfield has warned the Baggies’ young guns they must match their talent with their work-rate to make the first team.

Oldfield has moved from Peterborough to take charge of the new Hawthorns development squad, designed to bridge the gap between the academy and the senior ranks.

But, after seeing many of the youngsters who will fall under his control involved in Tuesday’s 3-0 friendly defeat at Rochdale, the former Stafford Rangers assistant boss is warning skill alone will not take them to the Premier League.

He said: “There is lots of potential here but that’s all it is and, if I’m completely honest, we are miles away from being where we want to be and where we should be.

“We need to make sure we’re working as hard as we can all the time and we don’t waste a single session.

“It’s a big ask but there is enough ability here and we need to match that with our workrate. It’s a challenge and I am looking forward to it.

“It’s a good opportunity for me but the bigger picture is the players and getting them to realise their potential.”

Oldfield has joined the Hawthorns coaching staff as the Baggies finally bid to start producing players for the first-team squad from their youth set-up.

The club has had academy status for six years but has yet to produce a home-grown first-team regular, despite many academy graduates playing regularly for the reserves.

They have set up the development squad to work with players between the youth team, which competes at under-18s level, and the first-team.

And Oldfield believes catering for the 18 to 21-year-olds is vital for any top-flight club.

He said: “The step is important. It’s very difficult to break into any first team.

“But the average age to break into a Premier League team is 20 or 21 and there is a big step between the youth team and the first team.

“The club have recognised that with the manager, Dan Ashworth and the chairman and hopefully I can fill that role well, so the boys can have another step on the ladder before they either step on or fall off.

“It’s a difficult step. I am talking after the disappointment of a defeat so we need to make sure we temper what we are saying, but the workrate is what we need to buy into to make sure we realise our potential.

“We will make sure that we’re working as hard as we can so we don’t miss a chance to affect the manager’s mind.”

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