West Brom have handed Joss Labadie a one-year pro contract.

Baggies Academy coach Michael Appleton told the club's website: "Attitude-wise Joss is different class and very level-headed.

"He's a good professional, gets on with his job and trains really well. He's the one player that stood out from the bunch last season. He is really strong for his age and stands out physically.

"To go with that he has a nice feel for the ball and has soft feet for such a big lad. He did really well in the reserves and had more good games than bad games.

"We're hoping he steps on another level this year. The more he trains with the first team the better he'll get because they'll force him to play the ball quicker."

Appleton also revealed London-born Labadie may go out on loan at some stage during the coming season to help improve his game in the first-team arena.

"We've given Joss the opportunity to progress because he's nowhere near the finished article yet," he added. "This is a big year for him and he knows there are certain things he needs to work on.

"He retains the ball really well and now he needs to improve what he does when he uses it.

"I'm not sure if this is a year where he'll play every week in the reserves and is outstanding or if it is one where he'll go out on loan.

"I think going out on loan at some stage will do him the power of good."