West Bromwich Albion No2 Eddie Newton says James Hurst may not be quite ready for the Premier League.

The fullback was outstanding on debut in the Carling Cup defeat to Ipswich Town.

"He has been impressing us in reserve games," Newton told the Birmingham Mail. "He's been coming in and out of our training sessions, coping with the intensity.

"We thought Wednesday night would be an ideal time for him to come in and he was quality for us.

"He was the brightest thing that happened.

"Is he ready for Premier League football? We shall see.

"It might be too early to ask him to do that but it was a great opportunity for him to come in and show what he's made of.

"We've asked him to step up another gear and he's acquitted himself excellently."