Express & Star

Rekeem Harper and Kyle Edwards give tips to West Brom kids

Albion duo Rekeem Harper and Kyle Edwards have been offering the club’s youth players some top tips on how to break into the first team.

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Kyle Edwards of West Bromwich Albion and Rekeem Harper of West Bromwich Albion (AMA)

The two academy graduates were quizzed by the club’s youngsters during a video conference call.

All Albion’s players – whether in the first-team or academy – are currently training at home due to the coronavirus outbreak.

And academy manager Richard Stevens felt a chat with Harper and Edwards would lift the spirits of his young players while they continue to work in isolation.

“We’ve made it a point over the last six weeks that as an academy we’re going to try and do something new every day,” Stevens said.

“The stories Rekeem and Kyle were telling the boys were priceless. They talked about their debuts, position changes and what they were saying was instantly powerful for the younger guys.

“It was fantastic for them to pass on their experiences on how they’ve dealt with challenges. And you could tell by Rekeem and Kyle’s answers that they loved it as well.”

Harper, 20, made his Albion debut as a 17-year-old.

And he revealed he told the club’s youth players that hard work and going the extra mile is crucial if they want to make it as a professional.

“I hope my words motivate the boys but they need to have the right attitude because talent only gets you so far – it’s hard work keeps you there,” the midfielder said.

“It was different doing it online as usually I could do it face-to-face at the training ground which makes you realise even more how serious the situation is.

“They were concerned on how to stay fit and on top of their game and I told them to make sure they’re following their set programmes and to gain advantages by doing more if they can because you never know what could happen when they return.

“An opportunity could be gifted to them and they need to be ready to take it.”