West Brom debrief: Fringe players and youngsters while key pair need a spark

Ramsay's selection defence

Eric Ramsay was clear he would mix things up for the fourth round tie with a nod to youth, fringe players and avoiding unnecessary injury problems.

The approach makes perfect sense, really, when you consider Albion's perilous battle with Championship relegation.

Albion did not want to lose the game but it is clear the Cup was a very distant second in two priorities before the end of the season. What point would there have been losing Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby, Callum Styles, Jed Wallace or other important players to a bad setback?

Ramsay's makeshift XI actually fared well. The first half was pretty poor but they improved and found an equaliser and were in the tie with 20 minutes to go. The criticism can come where, as both sides made changes thereafter and bigger guns were sent on, it was Norwich who powered to victory.

The head coach's problem is this is now seven winless games as Albion boss and, following back-to-back encouraging goalless draws, this could stunt momentum.

Ramsay's suggestion he was positive and satisfied with the outcome drew the wrath of sections of the fanbase, but the 34-year-old was pointing to the overall state and fitness of his squad - bar an unfortunate Josh Griffiths injury.

Albion were never going to win the Cup - a defeatist take that understandably irritates some - but full focus simply has to be on a monumental week ahead begin against Coventry on Saturday.

Misfiring creators

Albion, and Ramsay, are not helped by the struggling form of attacking duo Mikey Johnston and Isaac Price.

Winger Johnston has been the club's brightest attacker this season and still jointly leads the Championship assist reckoning with nine, albeit none since December 29.

He has been struggling with a pubis injury since and reduced to a substitute role of late as his fitness is managed. One thing is for sure - Ramsay needs Johnston back near his creative best if Albion are to score the goals to get out of trouble.

The 26-year-old is not alone, of course, amid a Baggies side in desperate form. Albion fans will cling to hope of steps forward against Stoke and Birmingham.

Price, 22, has endured a peculiar season and been poor for months by the standards previously set.

He is a big talent and can inspire Albion's attack at his best. Ramsay needs to conjure some displays from the Northern Ireland star.

Youth justice

Harry Whitwell, 20, started just a second first-team game and Ollie Bostock, 18, and loanee Hindolo Mustapha, 19, made first senior starts.

The trio played well and could hold their heads up high. Mustapha came off at half-time for a tactical call but had his side's two best efforts on goal.

Bostock and Whitwell grew into the tie and were busy after the break. The trio's exposure could be useful and serve Albion well in the coming weeks and months.

Ramsay does not have a big squad and the Baggies continue to nurse injury issues.

The likelihood is, at some point, those players will be required in a matchday squad and, potentially, to make the difference from the bench.

Ramsay's trust in them should have grown from Carrow Road.