Sam Field is a big part of my future plans, says Tony Pulis

Pulis gave the18-year-old his third Premier League start of the season at Turf Moor as he rang the changes following four defeats on the spin.

Although the youngster was brought off shortly after half-time, he didn't disgrace himself in the middle of the park.

Pulis was pleased with his run-out and revealed why he took him off relatively early.

"I thought Sam was smashing," said Pulis. "What killed him a little bit was the break.

"He looked very, very tired at the start of the second half, he looked as though he couldn't get his legs going.

"It's a different game to what it is in the academy, I tell you that. It was a real eye opener for the boy but I thought he was fantastic.

"For 18 years of age, he dealt with it brilliantly. Like I say, as soon as I see that he's tired or moving backwards I'll protect these young players.

"Great start for him, and he's very much a big part of this club's future."

Jonny Evans was brought off just before Field after picking up a knock to his left ankle in the first half and he left Turf Moor with a cold compress on his leg.

The influential defender will now be assessed ahead of Chelsea's visit to The Hawthorns on Friday night.

"It's a massive game next Friday against the would-be champions, so we need Jonny fit," said Pulis. "He's a top player at this level so hopefully we can get him patched up and get him playing against Cheslea.

"We looked at him at half-time, he wanted to give it a couple of minutes. He was disappointed being brought off so that shows his character."