Debut still hasn't sunk in for West Brom fan Sam Field

Playing in the Premier League for the team he supported all his life hasn't sunk in yet for Sam Field.

But the 18-year-old academy midfielder is raring to go next season after signing his first professional contract with the club.

Field has penned a one-year deal with a 12-month option for the club, joining fellow teenagers Jonathan Leko and Tyler Roberts in the professional ranks.

The tidy midfielder came on for his first team debut during the final game of the season just gone, ten years after he joined the club as an eight-year-old.

"It's a great honour to agree my first professional deal at the club I support, hopefully it will be the first of many," said the central midfielder.

"Last season still hasn't really sunk in to be honest, I couldn't have predicted how the year would end.

"But I won't allow it to sink in, I want to keep going and keep kicking on. It's a great privilege to make my debut for Albion, but it's only a stepping stone.

"Coming on in the Liverpool game was something I'll never forget, being able to play in the Premier League is not very easy. I can be very proud of that."

Eighteen months ago Field was playing down an age group because he was so small, but the academy staff were willing to nurture him because they saw talent in his boots.

After a growth spurt and some impressive performances on the training ground, he found himself working with the first team and being put through his paces by head coach Tony Pulis.

"There's been a lot of highs and lows during my 10 years at the club, through my scholarship and around the training ground," said Field.

"There's been a lot of progression, a lot down to the training - persistently improving and helping me massively. The rewards are paying off and there's more to come.

"I've been in quite a lot actually over the summer, coming in for a bit of running or gym work, keeping myself ticking over and getting ready for the new season.

"I'm raring to go. I'm looking forward to it and ready to get back.

"The way last season went, I can't tell you what my targets are for next season.

"I'd love to be playing in Albion's first team again, it may be that I get more experience on loan, but as long as I'm improving that's all that matters."