Tony Mowbray's frustration when it comes to West Brom youth assessment

Albion under-21s, managed by Richard Beale, are in action over the next two Monday evenings, where head coach Mowbray will cast a keen eye over the next generation.

Midfielder Harry Whitwell, 19, and winger Ollie Bostock, 17, are among the jewels in Albion's academy crown at the moment.

Both have made an impression on staff for some time and been part of the senior training set-up. Whitwell made his first team debut more than a year ago in the FA Cup and Wales youth international captain Bostock is making great strides for the under-21s.

"I know Rich Stevens (academy manager) really well from my time at Coventry, where he was," said Mowbray. "We speak about these youngsters and they come up and train with us if we need extra numbers with a few injuries.

"I can brush my eye over them in sessions but those are more about the first team trying to get shape and organisation, rather than the kids and opposing team stopping them.

"What I need is an under-21 or under-18 game to watch them. My intention is to watch every under-21s home game if I can."

Albion senior players have taken note of the youngsters. Bostock scored a stunner for the under-18s last week as Leigh Downing's side reached the FA Youth Cup quarter-final and Mowbray revealed his squad have asked about the tricky winger.

Talks were ongoing a couple of weekends ago to send midfielder Whitwell a first senior loan to League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, but the move was not finalised.

Albion under-21s tackle Newcastle on their home patch at Solihull Moors on Monday (7pm) kick-off, before a tasty affair the following Monday, February 17, away in the mini-derby against Wolves at Kidderminster Harriers.

Mowbray has had the opportunity to assess a few of the prospects in first-team training, but not to the level he desires.

With 16 games of the regular Championship campaign remaining and Albion chasing the play-offs, Mowbray admitted now was not the time to blood youngsters.

The Baggies boss added: "It's a little bit frustrating that I can't get a grasp of them, because the staff talk highly about the two players you've mentioned (Whitwell and Bostock), and how they've both got a chance. Am I missing a trick by not having them in the team?

"I'm not sure it's the time at this moment to experiment, it's the time to pick the best team and win to create excitement and enthusiasm for the end of the season.

"If for whatever reason it falls away and doesn't happen, we lose some games, then the end of the season before pre-season might be the time to put the kids in and see how they do. Let's hope that's not the case and we stay in and around the play-off positions to make it really exciting for the fans."