Bruce can save WBA millions by unleashing 19 y/o dynamo who has a "knack of scoring" - opinion

West Bromwich Albion have seen numerous players work their way through the club’s youth academy and make names for themselves.

Players such as Chris Wood, Tyler Roberts and Kemar Roofe have all spent time in the Baggies’ youth ranks in previous years.

One current Albion youngster who could find himself in with a shout of breaking into the first team on a regular basis next season after working his way through the youth ranks is Zac Ashworth.

A product of West Brom’s academy, the 19-year-old has made 50 appearances at youth level for the Baggies across their under-18 and under-23 sides. In that time, the full-back has scored three goals and provided six assists along the way.

He has even described himself as having a “knack of scoring” goals, which could be really useful for Bruce’s side, who often struggled to find the net in the 2021/22 campaign.

After making his senior debut for the club back their FA Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in January, the teenager made an appearance in both of West Brom’s final two league games of the season. This shows that Bruce is not shy when it comes to giving young players their chance to show what they can do in the first team.

Taking into account how Taylor Gardner-Hickman was given the opportunity at that level after making 19 Championship appearances following his senior debut against Hull City in November, Ashworth could well follow in his team-mate’s footsteps once next season kicks off.

Having played in numerous positions across the defence and midfield, his versatility could also make him a very useful figure for the Baggies moving forward should they need to rely on him for whatever reason.

Also, with Bruce recently talking about the need for West Brom to have a