West Brom youngster Reyes Cleary deserves first-team shot after scintillating Premier League 2 display
West Brom youngster Reyes Cleary is oozing confidence and bagged himself a hat-trick on Monday evening as the U21s ran riot in a 5-2 win over Middlesbrough.
Cleary has been in terrific form this season and has netted 10 times for the Albion youngsters, solidifying his name as a contender to be promoted to first-team action.
The 18-year-old compared the Monday night outing to a game “in the park” with his friends, highlighting the youngster’s confidence, he’s ready to move up the ranks.
“The boys help with my confidence the most, in the changing rooms that just starts me off,” said the youngster as quoted by West Brom’s Twitter.
“So when I’m on the pitch it’s nothing new, it’s like playing in the park with my friends.”
Stars aligned.
The stars may have aligned for Cleary, with Steve Bruce’s sacking, a new manager will be coming into the Hawthorns, one who will likely promote the youth more.
Nevertheless, the youngster deserves a shot at first-team action regardless of what coach comes in, he’s a prolific goalscorer at the youth level and earned the chance to step up.
The Albion have nothing to lose in doing so, the teenager can come in with little worries and potentially take the burden off the misfiring senior striking talents.
That’s not to say Cleary will come in and automatically bang goals, but the Baggies will never know for certain unless he is promoted to the senior team.
He’s raw but extremely exciting and possesses the physicality and pace to mix it with the tough and seasoned Championship defenders.
Cleary scored seven goals in five appearances last term and has already racked up 10 goals in five appearances this year.
Whoever the new manager is, he must promote him instantly.
In other West Brom news, speculation is only set to increase surrounding one name as the Baggies job is now available