'Caught the eye' - Key takeaways from West Brom's Portugal training camp

Price looks purposeful

Albion’s Northern Ireland international had a curious first full season at the club last time round - but with nine goals and four assists in all competitions there can be no doubting he had an impact.

It gets forgotten at times, but Price only turns 23 in September, and there has to be optimism he will continue to develop and flourish from his growing experience.

The attacker looked strong in Albion’s training camp. He caught the eye in the training session open to the Express & Star on Thursday and converted some fine strikes.

He was central to the Baggies’ attacking in Friday’s 4-1 win over Bromley. From the left, where he spent the end of last season under James Morrison, he was involved in both goals and looked a cut above.

Bany frustration

It emerged Albion’s forgotten man Tammer Bany had been on the comeback trail since the end of last season due to an injury picked up on the final day of last season at Sheffield Wednesday.

There is a decent chance that blow cost the attacker a place at the World Cup with Jordan.

Bany has had eight substitute appearances in 18 months since his £3.3million move. He is on the verge of joining in full training, which is a shred of encouragement, but he needs a run of full training to give hope of seeing any action.

Eye-catching coaches

My big takeaway from the trip was the safe hands the squad is in at the training ground.

Morrison’s assistant Matt Gill was such a key recruit in May but the department has been boosted further still with the additions of Gavin Strachan and Tony McMahon.

Strachan in particular is a seasoned coach and extremely well-regarded. All the noise from the club is the optimism at Gill and Strachan leading the way in sessions with such intensity and enthusiasm. Morrison is still involved, but takes more of a watching brief.

The duo certainly came across like they had the command and respect of all involved.

Morgan leading the way

There is excitement going around about Jimmy-Jay Morgan and it is easy to see why.

The recruit from Chelsea has earned rave reviews from staff in training for his cool finishing and intelligence in linking play.

He scored a penalty behind-closed-doors the previous weekend and gave fans an exciting first glimpse in Albufeira. His top-corner finish was that of a seasoned striker but there is clearly a lot to the 20-year-old’s game. He looks like he wants to drift around and make things happen.

More recruits are needed, but he looks the part.

Glimpse of formation underlines need

Morrison was not shy in telling me afterwards about Albion’s need to add wide players - it is painfully obvious at this stage.

The injured Mikey Johnston is the Baggies’ only natural option at this point, and his return does not seen imminent.

Albion played 4-4-2 against Bromley - again, no surprise - the shape that inspired survival under Morrison.

But the system requires options on either flank and we will have to reserve judgement on the head coach’s options until such additions arrive.

Standout youngsters

No shortage of Albion youngsters, 12 in total, had the experience away on tour with the 28-man squad.

It is understood midfielder Cole Deeming has returned in excellent shape for the new campaign. The loan at Cheltenham last season did him the world of good.

Harry Whitwell did himself no harm with the start and 60 minutes against Bromley. He was in an unfavoured right wing position but was persistent in his efforts to be positive.

Credit, too, to Jack Bray for his goal from the bench, a cool finish set up by Souleyman Mandey’s fine pass. Ollie Bostock also grabbed an assist.