Brighton 0 West Brom 0: Five talking Points From FA Cup draw

Kyle Edwards deserves more senior football

He was arguably the player of pre-season, catching the eye with both goals and performances, and on Saturday, he adapted to a new central midfield role impressively.

Rekeem Harper and Sam Field are on the fringes of the first team, but Edwards has only played 40 minutes of league football.

He came on leaps and bounds at Exeter City last season, and if he’s not going to feature for the first team, another loan move should be in the offing.

If he stays, he could make an impact off the bench.

Jonathan Bond has goldfingers

Jonathan Bond arrived at The Hawthorns without much fanfare.

A third choice keeper on a free transfer from Reading, he has worked hard behind the scenes with Neil Cutler – the man who signed him – and then Gary Walsh, Albion’s new goalkeeping coach.

But when Boaz Myhill fell ill on the eve of the FA Cup third round clash with Wigan, Bond stepped up to the plate. However, he only had one real save to make in that match.

Against Brighton, he made seven. Based on that performance, it was a shrewd signing.

Baggies need strength up front

Without Jay Rodriguez or Dwight Gayle, Albion lack cutting edge in the final third, particularly with Matt Phillips injured.

Harvey Barnes has been recalled and Bakary Sako has been allowed to leave, but Albion are yet to replace either.

Hal Robson-Kanu has his strengths, but he’s only scored eight goals in 81 appearances.

Jonathan Leko failed to take his chance on Saturday.

Attacking players are surely the priority for the final hours of the transfer window. Moore needs at least one, if not two.

But backline is fine

Kyle Bartley and Tosin Adarabioyo look like different players now they are being picked in their preferred positions and both provide adequate cover at centre-back to the first-choice pairing.

Conor Townsend and Tyrone Mears also played well at the Amex Stadium, suggesting Albion needn’t strengthen their defence this month.

Chris Brunt can also provide cover for Kieran Gibbs at left-back, while Adarabioyo and Craig Dawson can fill in at right-back if Mason Holgate is unavailable.

Funds should be funnelled further forward in these final few hours.

Darren Moore makes whole squad feel valued

His hands were tied somewhat by an injury crisis in midfield, but Albion’s boss did leave out Gayle, Rodriguez, Dawson and Hegazi.

Whatever your opinion on whether this devalues the FA Cup or not, what it does do is make those fringe players feel valued.

And now they are pushing the starting XI for their places, keeping them honest.

Competition is healthy and Moore’s selection was vindicated by the display.

Having as many players in form as possible could be key during February.