Richard Beale backs ‘quality’ Reyes Cleary to make first-team impression at West Brom
West Brom reserves manager Richard Beale has backed youngster Reyes Cleary to catch Carlos Corberan’s attention for the first team after his injury return.
The 19-year-old forward was an instant hit during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring 19 goals for Richard Beale’s PL2 side as well as making five appearances across three different competitions for Corberan’s team.
However, the Baggies wonder suffered a serious hamstring injury towards the back end of last season after scoring a hattrick against Derby in a 5-1 PL2 win in April but was seen back in training with the first team before being an unused substitute in West Brom’s 2-0 win over Coventry on 30 October.
As Cleary continues to step up his fitness with minutes in the reserves, Beale is confident the teen can make the grade in Corberan’s squad. Speaking to Express & Star (9 November), he said:
“Reyes has been out for six months, played 45 minutes behind closed doors against MK Dons in a friendly, then was on the bench at Coventry and has played 60 minutes tonight.
“It’s very early days in his comeback from the injury, it’s great to have him back and available but it is a process.
“Reyes possesses so much quality and we saw flashes of it on Monday. Every day he’s getting stronger and better.
“I personally think he’s someone that can affect the first team, play at that level and get in and around Carlos’ eyeline, which he already has done, which is great.”
He’s on his way
The West Brom teenager was certainly making giant progress before his injury setback in April showcasing why he is arguably one of the biggest talents at the club.
19 goals last season for the Under-21s is a stunning record, one which could well be translated at a higher level if given the opportunity and confidence from his manager.
However, his injury in April was a crucial blow for him given the giant strides he made last season but as is the case with plenty of footballers these days, injuries are certainly a learning curve and will be for Cleary.
Hopefully, he can use the setback as fuel to further his development and learning and training with the first team after his return is a huge step for him to become the player the Baggies are confident he can be.
The Baggies won’t be short of striker options soon when Josh Maja and Daryl Dike return to fitness before the end of the year, but that doesn’t mean Cleary can’t make the grade under Corberan.
A January loan move cannot be ruled out either if all parties feel that’s the best solution for him but either way, given Cleary’s talent and drive to impress at The Hawthorns, he is well on his way to first-team stardom.
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