West Brom's senior pros are helping youngsters grow

Chris Brunt, Allan Nyom and Callum McManaman all featured for Shan's side on Monday night in their 5-2 win over Villa at the Banks's Stadium.

Brunt, who has more than 300 appearances for the first team, controlled the game from central midfield; Nyom looked powerful and pacy at right-back; and McManaman provided a constant threat on the left wing.

But it is their uniquely positive impact on the academy players around them that pleased Shan more than anything else.

"It's huge having pros on the pitch," he said. "It can be worth 10 or 15 games having that communication, that little guidance. When they're key players like Brunty in the centre of the pitch, they help us dictate and manage the game.

"Cal was a threat too, they were a big plus. We're a fortunate football club that when the pros drop down with us they always apply themselves right.

"Brunty's been out for such a long time. He trained with us for a couple of days over the course of the weekend. I thought he was magnificent."

Nyom played the first half on Monday night after coming on for his first-team debut against West Ham on Saturday.

On both occasions the £3million deadline day signing has impressed and he's now providing stiff competition for Everton loanee Brendan Galloway.

"It's my first showing of Allan the full-back," said Shan. "I don't know much about him but he was good, athletic, gets up the pitch, manages the ball well.

"Physically in one v one combat he was outstanding."