How Barney Stewart's latest Scotland U21 antics may shake things up at West Brom
Barney Stewart hasn't been able to show what he's about since joining West Bromwich Albion.
The striker joined the Baggies from Falkirk in the summer in a deal worth up to £1.3million.
He was joined by Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who also arrived for the same up-front fee of £1.3m from Chelsea, with the deal potentially reaching up to £4m after add-ons.
James Morrison's attack has been in good form so far in the Championship, but this has often left Stewart on the bench, struggling for game time.
He was called up to Tony Docherty's U21s setup with Scotland, helping his nation to a 5-2 win over Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
And the West Brom forward played a crucial role in the victory, sending a clear message to Morrison.
Barney Stewart may have given James Morrison food for thought
Stewart is yet to start in the Championship for Albion, but has played in seven of the club's eight league games so far.
He averages 10 minutes per performance, having only managed 71 minutes in the league, as his only start came in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.
He is currently behind Morgan and Aune Heggebo in the pecking order; however, Morrison may need to start looking in his direction soon.
Stewart grabbed a brace in Scotland U21s' win over Azerbaijan, scoring a quick-fire double to give his nation a 2-1 lead in the first half.
Baggies fans have been pleased to see the news, with many suggesting he should get more game time for Albion.
With that said, following West Brom's poor attacking performance against Wolves before the break, Stewart could be thrown into the starting eleven when Albion return against Birmingham City.
Morrison may have a real dilemma ahead of the match.
What lies ahead for Stewart?
Scotland's U21s boss Docherty revealed he will be phoning Sebastien Pocognoli on Thursday after the big win over Azerbaijan in the EURO qualification contest.
Pocognoli was recently appointed Scotland boss after Steve Clarke's departure, and will be someone who Stewart will hope to impress in the future.
Stewart has another chance to impress when the U21s take on Bulgaria on Tuesday, which comes just a few days before West Brom's return to action at The Hawthorns.
The 22-year-old will be in a race against time to get back and prove to Morrison that he is ready to start.
However, another goal or two against Bulgaria could put heavy pressure on Heggebo.
If the Norwegian keeps on underperforming in front of goal, Stewart will look to take his place, and could even keep his fellow teammate out of the side given his current form for Scotland.