Morgan Rogers: West Brom's academy players encouraged by Rekeem Harper's rise
Morgan Rogers says all Albion academy players are drawing inspiration from Rekeem Harper’s ability to break into the first team.
Harper, 18, has started nine of the last 11 games for the Baggies after grabbing his chance to shine under Darren Moore.
And Rogers, 16, who described his senior debut earlier this month as a ‘dream come true’, says Harper is helping pave the way.
“He’s set the way for all of us behind him,” said Rogers. “We want to be able to do what he’s doing. We want to play to the level he is.”
Rogers is an England U17 international and an Albion fan who has been at the Baggies since he was seven.
He came off the bench for his senior debut in the FA Cup fourth round replay against Brighton at the start of February after scoring four goals in one game for the under-23s.
“That was a dream come true,” he said, of his debut. “It was a different challenge and has already made me better, helped me get used to the different physicality. That was a massive help.
“Playing against bigger and older players than me and being able to deal with it and looking comfortable with it is my goal.”
Rogers was speaking after a sparkling performance in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final victory over Everton.
He scored Albion’s third in that game to make it 3-3 before substitute Taylor Gardner-Hickman curled a delightful winner into the top corner three minutes later.
The Baggies now face Manchester City in the semi-final, but the 18-year-old match-winner isn’t daunted by the prospect.
Gardner-Hickman said: “It’s going to be a big game but if we show the same courage and desire we did against Everton we can beat anyone in this competition.
“We’ve got 100 per cent confidence in every player in this team.”
The wide player, who came off the bench for the injured George Harmon, had been told by under-18 coach Mike Scott to shoot more after scoring a few impressive goals in training.
“I’ve done it a few times in training, but in games is where it counts,” admitted the winger. “I’m glad to help the team out.
“I saw the opportunity open up and went for it, luckily it went in. It’s what football is all about, moments like this.”
