West Brom to split squad on Saturday with half at training ground Notts County clash

Albion are to split their squad on Saturday with the friendly at Shrewsbury Town taking place after a training ground clash against Notts County.

The warm-up clash against County is a behind closed doors fixture to kick off from midday, as boss James Morrison looks to get more minutes into his players’ legs.

The Baggies will name a strong starting line-up for the arranged 3pm clash at Shrewsbury - with more than 3,000 fans set to follow - but the bench in Shropshire will be youthful.

That is as the rest of Albion’s first team squad, as well more youngsters, will be in action against the Pies at the club’s training base in Walsall.

Among the projected squad list for the County training base clash is Mikey Johnston, on his way back from a broken ankle.

Other senior players involved at the training ground, and not at Shrewsbury, are goalkeeper Matt Ingram, defenders Krystian Bielik and Nat Phillips, midfielder Jayson Molumby and striker Barney Stewart.

Exciting new recruit Jimmy-Jay Morgan is part of the squad to face Salop.

Head coach Morrison explained the late change in scheduling with a new fixture: “At this stage of pre-season, we know that the lads need more game-me to ensure they are ready for the competitive action - which is getting closer and closer.

“So we’ve arranged this game with Notts County and will split the squad into two teams, making sure everyone gets the minutes they need.

“I’ve heard there’s going to be another amazing following at Shrewsbury, which is great for the players. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone there as we ramp up preparations for the new campaign.”

Talented youngsters Noah DuPont, Ryan Colesby and Remar McNeil, neither of whom went on the training camp in Portugal, are part of the Shrewsbury group in front of fans.

Expected squad for Shrewsbury: O’Leary, Cisse, Campbell, Gilchrist, Mepham, Styles, Williams, Dupont, Maughan, Diakite, Mowatt, Price, Whitwell, Colesby, Heggebo, Morgan, McNeil.

Expected squad for Notts County: Ingram, Wallis, Bielik, Crowther, Mohammed, Phillips, Pinnington, Iddrisa, Letlat, Bostock, Deeming, Johnston, Molumby, French, Mandey, Bray, Stewart, Parmar.