Tony Mowbray: West Brom's Rekeem Harper is an exciting project

After penning his first professional contract with the Baggies, the 17-year-old midfielder joined Mowbray in League One on deadline day on a season-long loan.

Tony Pulis has high hopes for Harper, and used him off the bench in two of Albion’s first four games of the campaign.

Mowbray, who tapped into his Baggies connections to snag the talented teenager for the season, is excited to play a part in the project.

“The reports I have had back from the scouting department, and from people I trust in football, have told me what a fantastic talent he is,” said Mowbray.

“He has played for West Brom’s first-team in the Premier League but he is of a tender age.

“You can see that when you meet him, although he is a giant of a boy, he’s very young, bubbly, looks extremely athletic and when you watch him play he seems to be all over the field.”

Harper was originally expected to join Rovers in the second week of August, but Pulis put the deal on hold until he had bolstered his central midfield options with Gareth Barry and Grzegorz Krychowiak.

Once he was significantly happy with his options, he gave Harper the green light to go to Blackburn. And Mowbray was pleased to finally land his man.

“He’s an exciting project, for us and for him I hope,” he said. “He’s hopefully coming here to play some football and enjoy himself and show everyone his talent.

“I’m delighted that he’s here. I know he will light up the training ground with his personality and his enthusiasm.

“He’s a very humble boy but hugely talented and I’m looking forward to seeing how he integrates in to the group.”

Harper’s first taste of League One football could come away at Rochdale this weekend.