Hinshelwood: 'I'll play anywhere the manager needs me'

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Versatile midfielder has returned to action after a frustrating six-week injury lay-off.

2026-11-13T05:00+00:00

Jack Hinshelwood lets fly against Brentford last Sunday. The midfielder has returned to action after a frustrating six-week injury lay-off.

Jack Hinshelwood has picked up where he left off upon his return to full fitness.

There were just 79 seconds between the midfielder’s first and second goals against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season – a match that kickstarted Albion’s exceptional start.

Hinshelwood was delighted to record his second career brace, but noted his frustration at having to watch from the stands after sustaining an injury so soon into the season.

“I was a bit unlucky after the Villa game,” he said. “In training, I just struck a ball and felt my quad a little bit, so I had some time out after that. I was very frustrated because you come off the back of scoring two goals and then you're not fit for six weeks.

“The first few weeks were tough, and I was probably a bit angry with myself just because of the way it happened. But then you get over it and you're just working hard to get back amongst it.

“The boys were in great form and still are, so that made it a little bit easier during the tough time. Now I'm just trying to come back, support the team, and get back in the starting line-up. They're doing so well, so I'm pushing for every opportunity I get to try and do my best to help the team move forward.”

The 21-year-old marked his return with a goal against Kauno Zalgiris and rivals Crystal Palace – matches that the Albion won 4-0 and 5-0 respectively.

It’s no secret that Hinshelwood's family have a strong footballing pedigree. It was Jack’s grandfather, Paul, who made 276 appearances for Palace over the course of a decade, with the youngest of the generation quick to share his thoughts after scoring another goal against The Eagles.

“Growing up around this club, to beat them [Crystal Palace] and to score against them is always a nice feeling. My grandad playing for them makes it even nicer. I'm sure he's proud in the sky when he sees me score against them, although he's probably not too happy at the same time!

“When we play against them and I score it's quite a touching feeling because I know how much it means to my family. The connection between the two clubs always makes it a bit sweeter.”

Joining the Albion academy at the age of eight, the midfielder worked his way up the youth ranks before making his senior debut on the last day of the 2022/23 season.

A few months later, he became a regular in the first team at right back. In December 2023, the versatile young talent notched his first senior goal for the club, heading in the decisive winner against Brentford.

Pascal Gross earned the assist for that goal, a teammate that Hinshelwood states is an invaluable player to have not only alongside him on the field, but off the pitch, too.

Goalscorer Jack Hinshelwood gives his reaction to the 4-2 win against Spurs.

“We have a great connection on the pitch. I know when he [Gross] picks up the ball, he's probably looking to find me or put a cross in. We've got a good connection off the pitch as well; we're really good friends.

“That makes it easier when you go on the pitch together - you're fighting for each other and pushing each other every day in training. I love playing alongside him, and I'm sure every other player does too.”

Gross departed for Borussia Dortmund at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, providing Hinshelwood the freedom to flourish in a central midfield role.

Upon Gross leaving the club, Hinshelwood claimed his No.13 shirt. But when the German maestro returned to the Amex in January of this year, Hinshelwood claims there wasn’t much of a debate about who would claim that number.

He said: “When he came back, I wish I could have given it to him then, but under Premier League rules you have to wait until the end of the season. He deserves that number for what he's contributed to this club, and it was an honour to wear it for a season.

“I'm happy it's now back in his hands and I've taken the No.8 shirt. It worked out really nicely in the end.”

As far as positions on the pitch go, there is scarcely one that Hinshelwood hasn’t featured in – playing in eight different positions in Premier League matches.

“I'll play anywhere the manager needs or wants me to play, but I'm really enjoying the higher position. I think I can contribute with goals and assists.

“When I first came through, I was playing full-back all the time, and I thought that was going to be me for the rest of my career.

Jack Hinshelwood looks for an opening in the Getafe box. He has figured in four of Albion's UEFA Conference League games this season. 📷James Boardman.

“But when Fabian came in, I played a couple of games in midfield and then started playing more as a holding midfielder. Last season, I had a good run in the ten role, and the manager obviously trusts me and likes me to play there.”

It’s that level of versatility that Hurzeler will require from his players in an extended campaign that will hopefully include further UEFA Conference League fixtures.

Hinshelwood has started all three league phase matches thus, one in a more central role and the other two in a more advanced position.

But Hinshelwood adds that, so long as he is contributing, he doesn’t mind which position he is playing in.

“My record this season isn't bad already, but I could have had a few more. I'm definitely getting the opportunities and just working hard in training to start converting even more of them. So maybe the ten or a box-to-box midfielder role.

“I don't mind; I'll give it a go anywhere.”