Darren Moore backs Sam to test West Brom's Field
Talented teenager Sam Field has been backed to give his senior team-mates a run for their money after being kept in the squad by Tony Pulis.
Albion sent a dozen of their best youngsters out on loan in the transfer window to give them experience of men’s football, but the Baggies batted away several offers to take 19-year-old Field.
The life-long Albion fan, who’s been at the club since he was eight, started the first two games of the season.
But since then , the Baggies have signed Gareth Barry and Grzegorz Krychowiak, and competition for places in central midfield is now fierce.
However, loan manager Darren Moore explained he was kept back to fight for his place.
“Sam has been purposefully kept back in the club,” said Moore. “He had an unbelievable amount of interest from clubs, and we turned them all down.
“That is because the manager trusts him, he’s played him in some key games at crucial times, and he’s held his own. Sam has now got an opportunity to fight for a place in the first team.
“Yes, it’s a competitive area of the pitch. Jake Livermore, James Morrison, Claudio Yacob, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Gareth Barry - in that engine room we’ve got six players competing for three spots and you’ve got Nacer Chadli and Chris Brunt who can play in those central positions too.
"We’ve got all sorts of options. But Sam’s one of those, and that bodes well.”
Field made 10 appearances last season and already has two games under his belt this campaign.
Pulis has been keen to get as many of his youngsters out on loan to give them experience of men’s football, but Moore reckons his decision to keep Field proves how much he has developed.
“It shows what the manger thinks of him, and the massive strides Sam has made in a relatively short time,” added ‘Big Dave’.
“The boy is a level-headed player, he understands the game, he’s got wonderful ability. Tactically his knowledge of the game is very good.
“For one so young to be in and around the team is great. He’s a home grown talent, so we’re delighted that there’s one in there fighting and competing for a place.”
One player who was allowed to leave was Callum McManaman, who has thanked the Albion fans after he completed his permanent move to Sunderland.
“Just like to say thanks to all the West Brom fans, players, and staff," said McManaman. "Didn’t work out as planned, didn’t get a run of games to prove myself but that’s football.
“All the best for the future. Still buzzing to sign for Sunderland last night, can’t wait to get back to enjoying it again.”
Meanwhile, Grzegorz Krychowiak's has been granted international clearance to join the Baggies on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
And Tony Pulis has been nominated for Premier League manager of the month for August alongside Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, and David Wagner.
