West Brom News speaking to Kevin Phillips

Thu 16 December 2021 6:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…

Taylor Gardner-Hickman is one of the first names on the West Brom teamsheet, according to Kevin Phillips.

The versatile 19-year-old has been in stunning form in recent weeks, essentially being Albion’s man of the match in three of his first four Championship appearances.

Gardner-Hickman has played at right-back twice, as a central midfielder and at left-back but managed to wow Albion fans in each role.

Phillips wants to see more of the teenage ace and also suggests a more permanent spot in the midfield could be up for grabs based on recent developments with Jake Livermore and Alex Mowatt.

Speaking to West Brom News about Gardner-Hickman, Super Kev said: “In that midfield area, someone needs to nail down the position because Livermore gets himself suspended and Mowatt suffers with knocks here and there. I think there’s an opportunity for someone to come in and really nail it down.

“For a young lad to come in and take that position to try and make it his own, is a credit to the player.

“Gardner-Hickman is clearly a very good player. I saw him live at the Coventry game when he was the man of the match he followed it up [against Reading] when we were debating whether he would start because we know Ismael’s not afraid to rotate.

“He looks like a player who, I wouldn’t say to build a squad around him, but when you’re picking a team, he’s got to be one of the first names on the teamsheet because he’s been excellent.

“It’s important they don’t put too much pressure on Gardner-Hickman because he’s still only a young lad but at the minute, you need to let the kid out to play.

“He’s clearly loving it, you’re getting the best out of him and from the supporters’ point of view, you can be very proud.”

West Brom’s next opponents are Barnsley with Ismael’s side set to travel to Oakwell on Friday in search of their first win there since August 1947.

Gardner-Hickman could be in the starting line-up once more after several players tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

In other West Brom news, Phillips wants Albion to sign this available Arsenal player in January.

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