Six West Brom young stars who could be part of James Morrison's plans for next season

James Morrison laid down the challenge to West Brom’s young talents earlier this month - insisting he is not afraid to use the club’s academy stars.

Morrison included a handful of the club’s youngsters in his squads at the end of the campaign - as Albion secured their Championship status.

He told the Express & Star: “I'm not afraid to use the academy, but it's got to work both ways,” Morrison said.

“They've got to show me that they're ready.”

Albion will no doubt strengthen in the summer but if Morrison is to call upon the club’s youngsters, who could be in contention to be involved next season?

Alex Williams

The Wales youngster looked all set to be a big part of Ryan Mason’s plans, having been thrown in for his debut in the EFL Cup.

He then featured in the league against Stoke - but he was then ruled out for most of the season with an injury.

However, the young full back has returned and has been called up to a Wales senior training camp ahead of friendlies in June.

Having made an impression last summer, he is sure to be on Morrison’s radar.

Cole Deeming

The midfielder, who has skippered the under 21 side, enjoyed a breakthrough season in senior football with two loan spells.

A short stint with non league Truro City was followed by Deeming making 17 appearances for Cheltenham.

He impressed as the Robins survived relegation. He returns to Albion with a possible chance of getting into the first team squad. However, a loan move could also be on the cards.

Harry Whitwell

Like Deeming, it was a major step up for Whitwell who made 20 starts and scored twice on loan at Forest Green Rovers - before he was recalled in January.

His only start after returning came under Eric Ramsay in the cup - before he went on to make two appearances from the bench in the league under James Morrison.

Whitwell is highly rated and could be involved - or a loan move higher up the pyramid could be on the cards.

Souleyman Mandey

The powerful midfielder surely comes into the question after Morrison handed him his senior debut on the final day of the season.

Mandey has had an impressive under 21 season - and after his debut will no doubt be in and around the squad this summer.

Ollie Bostock

It could be a big season coming up for the Wales youth international - who has been called up to the Welsh senior camp alongside Williams.

Having made his debut earlier in the season, the winger came on and set up a goal in the FA Cup at Swansea, before going on to score a memorable goal in the 2-1 defeat to Oxford.

He was handed a further two league starts in amongst a handful of sub appearances. Out of all the players in the mix for next season, he arguably has the best chance of breaking in.

Eseosa Sule

The former Celtic youngster has a shout, having been included in a number of squads later in the season under Morrison.

He was sent out to Motherwell earlier in the season, but his time there was cut short with injury.

He made his league debut for Albion as a substitute against Millwall - and the striker was involved in squads until the end of the season.

Like many of the above, he will have a chance to impress but could also be sent on another loan.