The Continental Tyres League Cup gives young players the opportunity to show how much they are progressing, according to Albion boss Hope Powell.
Powell has said she will be rotating her squad for tonight’s match against Championship outfit Charlton Athletic, with the main focus this week on Sunday’s WSL fixture against Aston Villa.
“There will be some changes to the squad that played Everton in our last WSL match. We have to be mindful of the players who have come back from international duty, although there has been a little bit of time [to work with them] since they returned.
“We’ve just got to manage everyone’s workload – clearly the priority for us is the league game against Aston Villa on Sunday, but we want to do well in this competition.
“We’re not taking Charlton for granted or assuming anything until the game is over, but it perhaps gives those players who haven’t played many minutes an opportunity.
“The expectation is that if you’re a WSL side you should beat a Championship side. If you focus on that then you do so at your peril. We will go into the game as professional as we always are and we know we will have to be at our best to ensure that we win the game.
“But for some of our young players It’s an ideal time to see how they’re progressing and the Conti Cup gives us that opportunity.”
Midfielder Josie Longhurst, 18, was on the bench for last month’s 2-2 draw against West Ham and the 18-year-old has subsequently been called into the Wales squad for the first time.
“Any young player’s dream isn’t necessarily just to start for the first team and get a contract, but to play for your country as it is a massive honour. The experience Josie had to go on international duty and be around that quality of player will have done her no harm at all.
“I am delighted for her and she was absolutely chuffed. Hopefully she has done enough to be called up again and maybe one day she will earn a senior cap.”