Why West Brom starlet sees his club as "family" ahead of tie

Iddrisa, who turned 17 earlier this month, has emerged as one of the next teen stars at The Hawthorns and has grasped his opportunity as a first-year scholar this term.

The Italy-born prospect hopes to grab another chance to impress in Leigh Downing's under-18s side on a big stage on Tuesday night - at Stoke's Bet365 Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The junior Baggies booked their ticket at this stage via a thrilling 6-4 win on the road at Harrogate Town's under-18s in round three in December.

It has been a breakthrough season for Iddrisa, who was originally a defender but has more recently been redeveloped into a versatile central midfielder. He made his professional debut under then boss Carlos Corberan as a substitute in the EFL Cup first round defeat at Fleetwood in August.

He has stepped up an age range and played seven times for Richard Beale's under-21s and netted on one occasion.

For Iddrisa, though, his few years at Albion has developed into a family feel having initially moved to the country at the age of eight.

"I was born in Italy, in Brescia, I stayed there for about eight years before I came to England and that's where my Italian is from," Iddrisa said.

"I've been at West Brom for about four or five years, since under-11s. This club has been family since day one. Ever since I've been on trial I just clicked in with everyone.

"Ever since then our relationship grew more and more as we've known each other for so long. It is family."

An opportunity to showcase his quality on a stage like Stoke's this evening is not lost on the 17-year-old.

The tie is free for spectators as Albion tackle the junior Potters. Boss Downing is nephew of former Baggies academy coach, assistant coach and caretaker manager Keith Downing.

"I remember about two years ago I was watching the FA Youth Cup on my laptop wanting to play in it one day and I've got the opportunity to play in it which I'm really grateful for," he added. "I would love to progress as much as we can given that the last couple of years we haven't really progressed much. We would like to be the age group to break that curse as much as we can.

"Then every other age group can push through and do what we did. It gives them hope. I'm excited to play in the Bet365 Stadium."