Lockdown came at the worst time for Tariq Lamptey.
The January signing from Chelsea was trying to force his way into Graham Potter’s plans when the season was suspended for over three months in March.
But the 19-year-old has been one of Albion’s successes since the campaign resumed. He was man of the match on his debut against Leicester City when he helped Albion earn a creditable 0-0 draw before showing his versatility in a more advanced midfield role in Tuesday’s defeat to Manchester United.
Lamptey said lockdown was a challenging period but he used the time wisely.
He said, “It wasn’t easy because you can’t plan for something like the last few months.
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“It was tough for me because I’d just come to the club and was looking to kick on, then when I was really starting to know everyone we couldn’t come in.
“But it gave me a chance to focus on a few things and do a bit extra so I could to be ready for the restart.
“The coaching staff gave us a plan to follow and everyone stuck to it and I think that’s why we’ve done so well in recent weeks. We came back strong and fit so that’s a credit to the lads for putting in the work as well as the coaches who put together our fitness programmes.
“The training has been really high quality, the tempo has been sharp and everyone’s been bouncing off one another - it’s been really good.”
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Lamptey’s reward was a first Premier League start against the Foxes when he also showed he wasn’t scared of getting stuck in after one first-half challenge left him with a badly cut lip.
“It was a big moment making my debut. I worked hard in training to get to that point,” he said.
“I’ve been listening to everything the gaffer and the coaches told me to try and fight for my place in the side and I’m happy I’ve done that.
“The reaction after that game was nice and the other lads and the gaffer have been great with me.
“It’s about making sure I continue to learn and improve. I just want to keep getting better and better.”
Graham Potter’s side face Norwich City at Carrow Road today knowing that a win would put more daylight between themselves and the bottom three in the Premier League. The home side prop up the table.
“It’s a big game and both teams need the points,” said Lamptey. “Everyone’s been working hard in training since the United game and we have been in good spirits. We know we’re capable of getting the results we need, especially with the quality we have in the team.”