Harry Whitwell's year: Loan joy, disappointment, Morrison and West Brom aim

The 20-year-old midfielder moved to Forest Green Rovers last August on loan for a first taste of regular senior men’s football and thrived for the National League high-flyers.

He endured disappointment in the new year when, having been recalled due to a lack of Baggies midfield bodies, the academy graduate had a couple of cameos but availability changed and Whitwell’s action was limited.

Training with the first-team, initially under Eric Ramsay and then James Morrison, was useful and Whitwell felt he took lots in and developed his game. The attack-minded midfielder has been an eye-catching performer during this pre-season in what could be a breakthrough season.

“I think so,” Whitwell told the Express & Star when asked about progress in 12 months.

Subscribe now for HALF PRICE and catch every minute of our Albion coverage this season - from pre-season to the final whistle. CLICK HERE

“I think even this time last pre-season, I was in and around it a little bit, but I wasn't playing that much.

“I felt in training maybe I wasn't impacting as much as I was liked. I feel like I've developed over the last year where, I think a big thing at this level is just to be secure on the ball and just kind of be tidy.

“Just those little bits, be reliable on the ball. And also in training, trying to impact it a bit more, have a bit more personality.

“I think as you get older, you kind of develop a bit more confidence. Especially the loan at Forest Green gave me that bit of confidence.”

Whitwell shone at Forest Green under Robbie Savage. He played 24 games, scoring twice, and was the side’s star man. Talk was of another loan, a league or two higher, but the window ended and boat was missed.

“At the time, I just wanted to play men's games,” he added. The situation at the club - I needed to stay. I just tried to do my bit for the club.

“I learned a lot from that time, just through the training. As a footballer you'd prefer to play games, but the situation was difficult.

“(This season is) to get more matches in the league, whether that's with West Brom, or if I have to go on loan.

“That will be discussed, but I think just playing more men's football. I had a taste of it at Forest Green and I just loved it. I'll try to get as much exposure to men's football as I can.”

Whitwell has operated on the right side during pre-season, above most due to a current lack of alternative options.

Morrison told the Express & Star he sees the prospect as a “pocket player” - an attacker who likes to operate between the lines.

Whitwell knows he must be like a sponge around the head coach, who played in a similar position and enjoyed an outstanding Premier League and international career.

“It's been really good,” he said. “Alongside with the staff he's brought in, they've been really, really enjoyable to work with.

“They're pushing us every day and I think there's been a real sense of ‘right, let's really focus on pre-season, let's really get a good base and then try to kick on when the season starts.’

“Every day he gives a bit of a talk before training about we're here to work now. That's a big phrase of his - we're here to work and every training session is a chance to get better and fight for your place in the team.

“As much as I can learn from him, the better. He played however many times in the Premier League for West Brom and Middlesbrough. If he gives me any bits of information, I'll latch on to it.”