Next loan steps for West Brom youth duo mapped out after impressive stints

Defender Michael Parker, 20, and goalkeeper Ben Cisse, 20, started the season out on loan in non-league in a bid to gain the valuable experience in adult football in the next steps of their development.

Both are currently back at The Hawthorns with the decisions over their next moves to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Athletic left-sided defender Parker spent a month on loan at National League North outfit Hereford in the second tier of the non-league pyramid.

The Bulls had endured a tough start to the league campaign but, under former Birmingham City man Paul Caddis, went unbeaten in Parker's four appearances in defence with two wins and two draws.

Albion under-21s boss Leigh Downing confirmed Parker made a positive impression at Edgar Street and the powerful defender, who plays left-back or centre-half and only joined the Baggies one year ago, is likely to complete another move to Herefordshire.

Parker played 45 minutes in Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in a bid to overcome a minor injury.

Academy graduate goalkeeper Cisse will spend at least another few weeks with Ryan Mason's first-team squad - who were in Championship action at Norwich on Wednesday night - with fellow youth goalkeeper Joe Wallis away on international duty with New Zealand at the under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Cisse will step up as Albion's 'third choice' senior goalkeeper behind Josh Griffiths and Joe Wildsmith until at least New Zealand's exit from the tournament, which ends on October 19.

West Bromwich-born Cisse made a positive impressive on Ian Long, boss of Northern Premier League outfit Rushall Olympic. Cisse tasted senior football for the first time at the end of last season on loan at Alvechurch.

Albion under-21 boss Downing told the Express & Star: "There is a good chance Michael will extend that further, which is good for him because he's helped them have positive results.

"With Joe going to New Zealand with the under-20 World Cup, Ben is working with Boaz Myhill, Josh and Joe as that third goalie. The Rushall manager said he played really well for them."