West Brom under-23s boss James Shan is delighted with the input of their senior players.

Chris Brunt, Allan Nyom and Callum McManaman all featured for Shan's side on Monday night in their 5-2 win over Aston Villa at the Banks's Stadium.

“It's huge having pros on the pitch," he told the Express & Star. “It can be worth 10 or 15 games having that communication, that little guidance. When they're key players like Brunty in the centre of the pitch, they help us dictate and manage the game.

“Cal was a threat too, they were a big plus. We're a fortunate football club that when the pros drop down with us they always apply themselves right.

“Brunty's been out for such a long time. He trained with us for a couple of days over the course of the weekend. I thought he was magnificent."