Whitwell chance shows Morrison's true to his word

[BBC] [Getty Images] Harry Whitwell has been one of Albion's top academy talents who has been repeatedly tipped to make a first-team impact. The midfielder has flirted with the edges of the first-team squad in the last two seasons, having made his league debut on the final day of the 2024-25 campaign. Last season was one that brought around a key breakthrough and a bit of frustration for the talented youngster. Having excelled on his first senior loan move in the first half of the season at Forest Green Rovers, Whitwell was recalled early this year amid a dreadful run under Eric Ramsay. He started in the FA Cup, but game time was severely limited, and he watched from the sidelines when it may have been more beneficial for him to remain out on loan. But if last season was the breakthrough away from the Hawthorns, this season may just be the one where he shines at Albion. Heavily featured in pre-season, Whitwell was given the nod in the EFL Cup thumping of Rotherham before being taken off at half-time as a precaution. Given the fact that Albion were close to full strength at the New York Stadium, Whitwell could well find himself thrust into the spotlight and handed a first league start at Norwich City on the opening day of the season. If he is, it will be universally welcomed by supporters – who relish the chance to back "one of their own". And if he is handed the chance, it is a massive statement from boss James Morrison. Post-Rotherham, the Albion boss said Whitwell had proved in pre-season he deserved his chance after the former midfielder laid down the challenge to the young players at the end of last season. We've seen comments like that from other managers before, where they challenge academy players and promise them a big chance if they can show they are good enough. However, far too many times we have seen managers at a number of clubs, including Albion, shy away from putting talented young players into the mix. Sometimes it can be seen as too risky by some managers, while many fans would rather see head coaches be brave and hand out chances. Morrison has shown that he is willing to do that and he will remain true to his word. Whitwell is the example of that, and it is refreshing to see. There are others who could benefit from Morrison's way, too. Alex Williams and Ollie Bostock are in and around it in recent campaigns, the latter having had big moments last season. Given Morrison's attitude towards the young stars and Whitwell's summer progression, a start at Carrow Road could well arrive for the midfielder on Saturday. If it does, it would be a huge shot in the arm to the other Albion young guns, who will no doubt be buoyed by what they have seen this summer.