We pick an XI with some of the youngest players to play for West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
Joe Murphy was just 21 years old when he came on as a substitute following Russell Hoult’s dismissal at Anfield in 2002. The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper saved Michael Owen’s spot kick with his first touch of the ball as Liverpool went on to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-0.
Right-back Jared Hodgkiss (19 years old) was given his first – and only to date – taste of Premier League football in the Baggies’ final game of the 2005/6 season against Everton. The youth prospect replaced Steve Watson in the 63rd minute before Bryan Robson’s side conceded late goals from Victor Anichebe and Duncan Ferguson to throw away a two-goal lead at Goodison Park.
Brendan Galloway (20) has failed to win a regular spot in Tony Pulis’ side during his season-long loan from Everton. The left-back made his debut in the goalless draw with Middlesbrough back in August.
Craig Dawson (21) and Curtis Davies (20) form a youthful centre-back pairing. Dawson’s Premier League debut came in the 3-0 away defeat to Swansea City in September 2011. The former Rochdale man would be dropped for recently-signed Gareth McAuley in the following game against Fulham.
Davies first Premier League start saw the Baggies hold Sunderland to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light in 2004. The current Hull City defender would score in his second Premier League outing against Charlton Athletic.
In the reverse fixture against Charlton, Richard Chaplow (20) came off the bench to make his first top flight appearance and win a penalty for the Albion. Robert Earnshaw converted to spot kick as West Brom ran out 4-1 winners.
There was plenty of optimism surrounding George Thorne (18) when he made his Albion debut in a 30 minute cameo against Newcastle United. His introduction coincided with a three-goal fightback for the Baggies, as Somen Tchoyi bagged a hat-trick.
Joanthan Leko (16), Sam Field (18) and Tyler Roberts (17) all made their Albion debuts in the closing fixtures of last season.
Leko made his debut in off the bench in the goalless draw with Sunderland. Meanwhile, Field and Roberts came on as substitutes against Liverpool on the final day of the season.
West Brom’s youngest ever Premier League player is Isaiah Brown (16). The forward was a few months younger than Leko when he made his league debut in the 3-2 home defeat to Wigan Athletic in 2013. His second – and most recent – Premier League appearance came at the Hawthorns in 2015 but this time Brown was in Chelsea colours.
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