Dara O'Shea delighted to play a big part for West Brom

Primarily a centre-half, the 21-year-old has been a revelation for the Baggies ever since head coach Slaven Bilic decided to switch him to right-back at the turn of the year.

Albion have kept seven clean sheets in the 12 games O’Shea has started – while the youngster has also netted two goals, the second of which came in Wednesday’s win over Derby.

At the beginning of the season, though, O’Shea thought he would spend the 2019/20 campaign out on loan.

And he has thanked Bilic for having faith in him and trusting him to play in Albion’s run-in.

“It is unbelievable – I couldn’t have imagined being in this position at the start of the season,” the Dublin-born defender said.

“At the start of the season I was looking at going out on loan.

“But the gaffer has been great with me. He integrated me into the group right from the start and I’ve been able to grow as a player because of it.

“Having a gaffer who believes in you and backs you and is willing to play young players in big games and in a big season like this is, I think it’s great.

“The confidence I have from him, even in training, I can go out and express myself and he’s not going to give out to me.

“As long as I am doing my best he is happy.”

O’Shea’s performances at right-back have ensured Albion haven’t missed Nathan Ferguson after he decided to leave the club.

But while the Irishman looks like he’s been playing in the position his entire career, he confirmed he has very little experience in the role.

“When I was on loan at Hereford I played a couple of games there,” O’Shea continued. “I’ve not got much experience there, but the gaffer has been great with me.

“He’s got faith in me so I am really happy.”

Meanwhile, Bilic confirmed Grady Diangana will take part in training today despite the winger being withdrawn against Derby with a tight hamstring.

But speaking at a press conference yesterday, the boss said it was still to early to determine if the West Ham loanee will be available for tomorrow’s trip to Blackburn.

“We’re still waiting but he (Diangana) doesn’t feel any worse,” Bilic said. “After the game, it was more tightness than an injury, more precaution than an injury.

“I’m kind of optimistic, but we’ll have to see tomorrow.

“We’ll get him on the pitch tomorrow, because he’s among the group of players who played yesterday and he’s doing a recovery today.

“It looks OK, it looks good, but we’ll see how he develops.”