Gus Poyet is full of praise for his youngsters who helped Albion record an impressive 3-0 win over Championship-leaders Southampton at the Amex.  With a number of players unavailable for selection the Albion boss handed a full debut to Jake Forster-Caskey, a first Championship start for Steve Cook and recalled goalkeeper Peter Brezovan; while Grant Hall came off the bench for his senior debut.

A delighted Poyet said, ‘I gave players massive chances and they took them, which is what you are looking for as a manager.  I never play anyone who doesn't deserve to play for the first team and I'm not afraid of playing a 17-year-old. I gave Jake a chance and he took it so he's going to stay with us now. I'm delighted for him.  My job now is to keep his feet on the ground now. He is a great guy who knows exactly what he wants. He is the same person when he trains with the development squad as he is when he trains with us and I know him very well.’

‘We also recalled Cooky from Bournemouth so he played without really training with us, Peter did very well and then we brought on Grant Hall for his debut too.  There is no better way to start the New Year than beating the league leaders 3-0. It's been a great day, we executed our plan very well, we defended well and waited for our chances, then we scored the important goals.’

Albion now have a 12-day break from Championship action, and Poyet says he will begin work on recruiting a couple fresh faces now that the January transfer window is open.