Loan deals mean young West Brom side will be up against it

The Baggies’ under-21s head to the Banks’s Stadium under the guidance of boss James Shan looking to make their mark on this year’s Checkatrade Trophy.

A disappointing campaign last year saw a youthful Albion lose all three of their group matches by the same two-nil scoreline.

Luton, Gillingham and Millwall all ran out comfortable winners – with the Hatters claiming victory despite making a host of changes that would eventually see them fined £15,000.

Now Albion are eager to register a first victory in the competition.

But while an inexperienced Baggies’ side did secure a 2-1 victory in a pre-season friendly at the Banks’s back in July, the team that takes to the field tonight will be very different.

Senior figures such as Chris Brunt, James McClean and Boaz Myhill, who all featured then, will not be risked ahead of the City game.

Both Shaun Donnellan and Tyler Roberts appeared that day and have since gone on to join the Saddlers on loan – making them ineligible tonight.

Meanwhile, fellow youngsters Jonathan Leko and Rekeem Harper have also secured temporary moves away having joined Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers respectively.

Kane Wilson and Kyle Edwards have both gone to League Two Exeter City.

It means the Baggies are likely to have very little Premier League experience on display as they prepare to face Jon Whitney’s men.

In fact, the only senior player who may feature is 20-year-old central midfielder Sam Field – but with Jake Livermore sitting out Albion’s League Cup match, even he might be required by head coach Tony Pulis.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t have a team packed with talent.

Rayhaan Tulloch is a 16-year-old England youth international who already has a goal and assist for Albion’s under-23s this season.

Centre-back Kyle Jameson is an 18-year-old who was on Chelsea’s books last season after impressing in the National League with Southport.

There are a few other youth internationals in the ranks – but considering how young the team will be, it could be a tough night for Shan’s side.