Rekeem Harper relishes battle for West Brom place
Rekeem Harper insists the competition for places in Albion’s midfield is helping him raise his game.
The 19-year-old has been limited to just six minutes of action in the Championship this season, but impressed from the start in Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup.
He has found Jake Livermore, Romaine Sawyers, Filip Krovinovic, Gareth Barry and even centre-half Semi Ajayi ahead of him in the pecking order, but admires his fellow midfielders.
“There’s so much quality in the middle of the pitch,” said Harper, who made 23 appearances under Darren Moore and Jimmy Shan last season. “I see it every week.
“If I’m honest, it makes me want to raise my game to show the boss what I can do and what I can offer that’s different to the other midfielders.
“I played a few games last season and this season I wanted to try and kick on. I’ve accepted that it’s part of my journey to have plenty of experienced players ahead of me.
“The team has been doing very well this season and together we are all going for one goal. I’m ready for when called upon. I want to play my part in the team.
“I felt a buzz when I was back out on the pitch against Charlton. Playing in front of a crowd with my number on the back of my shirt.
“It’s made me hungry to get back out there and show the fans what I can do.”
Head coach Slaven Bilic persuaded Harper to sign a new deal last summer, but them told him he needed to work harder to be involved in Albion’s first-team.
And the teenager has appreciated working with the Croatian.
“He’s wanted me to work hard and show him how good I am every day,” he said. “A lot of our midfielders are experienced players so I have to do more to show him what I can do.
“He’s been a great help for me and I can tell that he likes me. I’m thankful that I have a manager that watches out for me and who will help my game in the long run.
“I want to achieve great things with this big club.”