Reyes Cleary on verge of West Brom senior debut – Kevin Phillips
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…
Reyes Cleary could earn his West Brom debut within the next two weeks, according to former striker Kevin Phillips.
Cleary, 17, has been in stunning form for Albion’s youth teams this season and was named on Valerien Ismael’s bench for the win over Reading last weekend.
Ismael’s men face Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday before a trip to Derby on 27 December and a home clash with Preston on 30 December.
Phillips feel as though young goal machine Cleary will make his senior bow in one of those matches.
When asked if it’s just a matter of time before Cleary gets a senior debut, Phillips told West Brom News: “Yes, possibly.
“Cleary’s a young lad and he’s getting on the first team’s bench and scoring for his age group so let’s hope he gets an opportunity and is rewarded.
“Anything can happen, as we know.
“Players can drop out with COVID, you can get another couple of injuries and all of a sudden Cleary could find himself starting a game.
“All he’s got to do is keep on scoring goals at the level he’s at and when he steps up, he takes his chance.
“It’s great to see these young lads on the bench. We’ve already seen Ismael isn’t afraid to make decisions so it wouldn’t surprise me if the kid is involved and gets some minutes over the Christmas period.”
Cleary has scored seven goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances for West Brom’s Under-23s this season.
He’s also netted 10 times in six Under-18s Premier League matches.
On Tuesday, the 17-year-old striker scored twice as Albion came from two goals behind to beat Rotherham 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup.
In other West Brom news, Phillips wants Albion to sign this available Arsenal player in January.
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