Achievements of Taylor Gardner-Hickman at West Brom satisfy Steve Bruce

Taylor Gardner-Hickman has quickly emerged as a star player at West Brom in recent weeks and his form earned him an England Under-20 call-up.

The Baggies midfielder has burst onto the scene and has started all of Albion’s four unbeaten games recently to prove his importance to Steve Bruce’s side.

The boss was over the moon to see his man be recognised for his performances and receive that call-up after a tough season.

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“It gives all of the staff at the academy who have put a lot of hard work into the kid that little bit of satisfaction,” Bruce said, as quoted by the Express and Star.

“There’s nothing better as a manager than picking a young player who will give you energy, appetite and desire. That’s something all the supporters appreciate.

“He’s had a wonderful start with me. He’s got to keep his feet on the ground which I’m sure he will, I’ll help keep his feet on the ground too.

“We’re delighted with his progress, but we’re pushing him to get better and better.”

Future captain

You can hardly fault anything Gardner-Hickman has done in the navy blue and white of West Brom so far compared to his more underperforming teammates.

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He proves just how much a genuine desire for the football club and bundles of energy can make a serious impact on a team’s performance on game day.

If he stays at The Hawthorns for a good few years, he is surely a shoo-in to be named club captain at some point given the ideal example he has set during his time in the Midlands so far.

It might seem strange to make a kid the captain but when they have been at the club since they were little and seen all the good and bad times from afar, he might just be the best option.

He’s also learning off current skipper Jake Livermore too which will be a great experience for him given the 32-year-old’s international experience with England.

In other West Brom news, Baggies fans should go and support these local title-chasers for Non-League Day tomorrow.

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