West Brom young talents 'definitely taken steps' as result of FA Cup experience

Attacking midfielder Whitwell, 20, and winger Bostock, 18, gave encouraging accounts of themselves as they target more minutes for lowly Championship strugglers Albion for the remainder of the season.

"I think Harry had a much better time of it when he stepped up a notch because that is obviously more of his natural game, being closer to the front, he's a very energetic front-foot, pressing player and I think in the first half we had difficulty in sustaining pressure well," Ramsay said.

"We had a lot of moments where we were nearly there, not quite there, lost a lot of duels, but I think Harry helped us in that sense.

"And I think Ollie grew into the game, he was certainly one of, if not the most threatening player in the second half and that was really pleasing because it was a demanding game against a good team with a lot of depth in a tough atmosphere.

"It felt like a top-end Championship game there so for those two who have come through well, it's progress."

Whitwell started in a conventional central midfield role alongside Ousmane Diakite, but was moved into an attacking midfield position at half-time. It was just his second Albion start.

Bostock - hero from the bench in the previous round - started on the left flank and switched to the right on his first start for the Baggies.

"They've definitely taken steps forward in that sense," Ramsay added.

"You don't know until you see players on the pitch yourself and the game plan that you know really well and you can analyse in real detail as to whether they're capable of carrying out what you want.

"In both those cases there were some impressive moments in there so they're certainly further along the line than they were."