‘Big plans’ – West Brom player with 4 starts in 19/20 wants regular PL role
West Brom youngster Rekeem Harper has claimed that he has “big plans” to establish himself as a regular in the Premier League this season.
The 20-year-old made 10 Championship appearances last term, with just four of those coming from a starting spot.
But he is eager to build on those figures this time around.
As quoted by the Express and Star, he said: “I’ve got big plans to play as many games as possible in the Premier League.
“I want to experience it because we are not here to make up the numbers. Establishing myself as a Premier League player is important. I believe in myself and with games I am going to get better, gain more confidence and a greater knowledge of the league.
“He [Slaven Bilic] has seen a lot of change in me in terms of my mentality, work-rate and consistency to my performances, and he said that I was going to get opportunities – so he has stuck to his word.
“Any game in the first-team is a blessing and it’s always an opportunity to show what I can bring.”
Harper has already featured once on the top flight this season, making a 21-minute cameo in the opening day defeat to Leicester City.
Since then, however, the Baggies have wrapped up a loan deal for Connor Gallagher from Chelsea, with a similar agreement for Filip Krovinovic seemingly in the pipeline.
In the wake of such an influx of competition in the centre of midfield, his chances may be limited even more than they were last season.
In fact, The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley has openly suggested that a loan deal to a Championship club might be the best course of action for the youngster this term.
We admire his ambition, and we love his hunger, but Harper may struggle to reach the level he is aspiring to in the immediate future.
In other West Brom news, Championship side would love to sign this Baggies winger
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.