After another energetic cameo, Albion head coach Carlos Corberan confesses that intriguing youngster Tom Fellows is in his starting lineup plans for Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.
Fellows, 20, was a standout for the Baggies in an otherwise forgettable 0-0 draw with newly promoted Plymouth Argyle at The Hawthorns.
Fellows, a direct, nippy winger, made it two strong performances off the bench after impressing against Blues before the international break as Albion struggled without numerous attacking options.
“When you don’t have all of your offensive resources, the solution has to come from the players we have right now,” Corberan said. It’s something we’re aware of, and we must respond appropriately.
“The most encouraging aspect of our attack, in my opinion, was the minutes from Tom Fellows.” He was a player who helped the club generate something against Birmingham, and he showed again tonight that he can assist from the bench or even the starting XI.”
When asked if he expects the kid to start against the struggling Rs at home tomorrow, the head coach replied, “I will see, I will analyse.” It takes time to grow as a player.
“At times during the process, they require confidence from the bench as well as minutes that differ from the first XI.” When you play against an opponent who has 60-70 minutes in their legs, it’s not the same as when they’re fresh from the start.
“He is someone who is ready to mature and contribute to the team, and he has very good circumstances.” We’ll utilise him off the bench or from the start, but he’s shown to be one more solution.
“That’s why when we created 20 pitch players, he was one of this group.”
Fellows shined in pre-season after returning from a season-long loan at League Two Crawley Town the previous season.
Corberan decided not to loan him or centre defender Caleb Taylor out again this season. The head coach believed they were needed to beef up a small roster and would have their chance in the first team when injuries occurred.
Plymouth was the stronger team in the opening period, and they came closest to scoring after hitting the crossbar and being denied by Alex Palmer. Albion improved after the interval but were unable to get through.
