Kyle Edwards keen to make up for lost time at West Brom following debut
He was arguably the most eye-catching performer in pre-season – and now Kyle Edwards has finally made his competitive debut for the Baggies.
It’s been a tough journey to this point for the 20-year-old, who has already bounced back from two long-term injuries in his career.
Edwards spent nine months out with a knee injury around two years ago, and has also spent another four-month stint on the sidelines that hampered his development.
Born in Dudley, he’s been at the club since he was six years old, and over the past few years, has watched on enviously as friends like Sam Field, Rekeem Harper and Jonathan Leko have made their debuts.
Edwards’ contract was up last summer, and there was a possibility he may have never featured for the Baggies, but an impressive loan spell at League Two Exeter City last season won him a new two-year deal.
Now he’s signed up until the summer of 2020, and if pre-season is anything to go by, he’s determined to take his chance.
On Tuesday, he came on for Matt Phillips at half-time and looked lively on the right wing, and his initial reaction to making his debut was pride.
“It’s good to get my first game,” said Edwards. “I’ve been around the first team for a while now so it’s a nice feeling. I’ve been here so many years and seen my friends come through and get their debuts.
“I’m really proud of myself for what I’ve achieved. It was a special night.”
Edwards matured at Exeter last season, and even scored a goal in the League Two play-off final, although the Grecians lost that day.
He faces stiff competition on the wing from Matt Phillips, Harvey Barnes and Oliver Burke, but he is a versatile forward who can play anywhere along the front.
And he’s keen to make up for lost time on the treatment table by cementing a place in the starting line-up.
“I’ve had a couple of injuries, one nine months and one four months,” said Edwards. “I’ve managed to come back each time so I’m happy.
“Last year’s loan at Exeter helped me out a lot and I’m thankful to them.
“It was my first taste of real football. My target now is to force my way into the team.
“I’ll keep showing what I can do from the bench. But ultimately I want to get that starting position.”
Another Albion youngster enjoyed a night to remember on Tuesday.
Defender Max Melbourne, 19, scored his first professional goal for loan club Partick Thistle in a 5-0 rout of Stranraer in the Irn Bru Cup.
