West Bromwich Albion chief Dan Ashworth admits manager Roy Hodgson is taking a closer look at the academy.
Ashworth was reacting to Sam Mantom's new deal today.
He told the WBA website "The Academy has, certainly since Roy came in, seen a lot of players training with the first team.
"We've seen a couple of debuts this season - James Hurst and Sam - and George Thorne has been involved in first-team squads.
"We've always said this is the best crop of young players the club has had and Sam is in good company.
"People forget that Chris Wood, who has helped Brighton clinch promotion, is still in that age group."
