Albion teenagers set for last day role
Albion have placed teenagers James Hurst and George Thorne on standby for possible first-team duty at Newcastle on Sunday.
Albion have placed teenagers James Hurst and George Thorne on standby for possible first-team duty at Newcastle on Sunday.
The pair are being primed for a possible taste of Premier League action, as the Baggies end their season at St James' Park.
Boss Roy Hodgson is considering using the duo on Tyneside, in a game with reduced pressure with both sides safe from relegation worries.
Assistant head coach Michael Appleton said: "I think they will be in and around the squad. Whether they get a start or are on the bench is something we'll have to talk about towards the end of the week.
"But, over the last week or so, the likes of George and James have been at the forefront of our minds.
"They've been training every day with the first team for the past couple of months. They've been putting in some sterling performances in training and really looking the part at times - especially George.
"Hurst has already had a bit of a look-in earlier in the season but George is really starting to mature."
Hurst, aged 19, made his Premier League debut at Fulham in January after returning to the Hawthorns last summer from Portsmouth.
The full-back, who began his training with the Baggies academy before his spell at Fratton Park, is still awaiting a second league appearance.
And Thorne, a highly-rated 18-year-old midfielder, is yet to figure in the Premier League having made his debut as a 16-year-old in a Championship win at Sheffield Wednesday - his only first-team outing to date.
Both youngsters have been regular members of the Baggies reserves side this season, with Thorne in particular catching Hodgson's eye.
Their possible inclusion in the head coach's plans for Sunday could spell more bad news for Carlos Vela, who missed out on the matchday squad for Saturday's win over Everton.
The on-loan Arsenal forward appears unlikely to be offered an extended stay at the Hawthorns having failed to hold down a regular first-team place, which could see him left out again on Sunday with Hodgson casting a glance to the club's future.
Appleton said: "His loan is up after the game on Sunday and you have to make calculated decisions about what is best for the football club and for the player at that moment in time."