English cricket has Manchester United to blame for whisking away Reuben Reid from a professional career.

The West Bromwich Albion striker was a promising cricketer as a teenager - and admits to tribalfootball.com that he does still wonder where he would be if he hadn't committed himself to football.

It was interest from United which convinced Reid to reject a pro career with Gloucestershire and throw himself into football.

"I didn't really have much of a junior football career. I was busy embarking on a professional cricket career, however I got the opportunity to play with Manchester United for two months and took part in the Milk Cup tournament in Ireland," says Reid.

"It was a great experience, not only for the football, but being at a club like that was just amazing. It was a time I will never forget."

Reid admits even now, despite being contracted to Premier LeagueWest Bromwich Albion, he does think 'What if?' when it comes to cricket.

"Yeah, I think about it all the time, I wonder what level I'd be at and how far I could have gone.

"And of course when the footy season finishes I'm straight back to the cricket for my local team! ! do miss it a lot."

Reid's career took off at Rotherham United two years ago, scoring almost a goal every two games in a full season with the Millers. It was that sort of form that prompted West Brom to move for him.

"My move to West Brom was obviously massive for me, I'd just had a successful first full season where I played alot of games and scored a few goals, so in the summer I had a thought that a team may possibly come in for me.

"I know Blackpool had a bid accepted as well at the time, but after West Brom came in and the two clubs agreed terms, I was on my way there."

With the Baggies winning promotion back to the top-flight last season, Reid sat down with manager Roberto di Matteo in the summer to consider his options. It was decided a move away on-loan would be best for the 22 year-old's development.

Walsall boss Chris Hutchings soon came knocking and Reid was happy to sign on a five-month loan with the Saddlers.

"The loan move to Walsall came about basically because I sat down with Di Matteo and his feeling was that he didn't think I would feature in the first team this season and that I need to be playing regular football in someone's first team.

"When it came about that Walsall were interested I didn't hesitate. It's local to West Brom so I didn't have to change a lot of things and gives them the opportunity to monitor me easily."

While Walsall have struggled in the opening weeks of the League One season, Reid has impressed, scoring three goals in just seven appearances so far.

"My hopes at Walsall are to get myself in peak condition physically and then win a place in the side and hopefully stay there," says Reid. "A few more goals along the way will be nice as well."

Since leaving the Hawthorns, Reid has seen some of his teammates get their chance in the Carling Cup, but the striker knows his best option this season was always to get away on-loan.

Reid adds: "No, definitely no regrets about moving to Walsall, even after seeing some of the fringe players get an opportunity to play in the League Cup.

"No disrespect to the League Cup competition, but it is a tournament where you are able to give your 'fringe' players games, but obviously when the league fixtures come back the players will probably find themselves out of the squad again."

Hutchings is now backing Reid to the hilt, starting him alongside former Manchester United and Manchester City striker Jon Macken for Saturday's defeat at Hartlepool United. The youngster admits it's already been an education working alongside the experienced Macken.

"Obviously Jon Macken is an experienced pro, who has played at the highest level," reflects Reid. "It's good being able to play with the likes of him as it can only benefit me.

"If I can take even just a little bit from his game then that can only help me improve as a player."

And with that extra improvement, Reid will go back to West Brom a better player - and confident in his decision to turn his back on cricket just a couple of year ago.