James Shan hopes 'stern words' will help youngsters in Checkatrade Trophy
James Shan hopes a 'few stern words' will kick his youngsters into gear ahead of their final Checkatrade Trophy match of the season.
Albion's under-21s travel to holders Coventry City tonight, having already lost to League One sides Walsall and Shrewsbury.
Senior squad member Oliver Burke is due to play for the Baggies after failing to make it into the match day squad for the trip to Huddersfield.
They are unable to qualify out of their group, but even though Shan is expecting another tough test at Ricoh Arena, he's hoping for a better performance than last week, when his team lost 1-0 to Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup.
“I think it will be another tough test for us," said Shan. “On paper Shrewsbury was a difficult game because of their league position and form, but this one might be even harder.
“Coventry need to beat us to qualify so there’s a lot on the game from their point of view, especially as they are the holders.
“We’re going to have to show a lot of fight and resilience to compete in the match.
“After the loss against Sheffield United on Thursday was probably the most critical I’ve been of the players this season.
“Looking at the age of our squad and some of them being in the U23s a bit earlier than they should be, I’ll probably excuse them for some things.
“But the manner and the time in which we conceded that goal on Thursday evening was bitterly disappointing.
“There has been a few stern words said in the changing room and in the analysis sessions, so it’s definitely a game where I need to see a response from some of the boys."
Shan is working with a young group this season because the Baggies have 13 academy players out on loan to lower league clubs.
