Odel Offiah said playing with Albion on FIFA added to his nerves when he started training with the first team.
The 19-year-old played his first professional game on Saturday as Albion defeated West Brom 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup.
“It’s been great training with the first team, learning from the other pros is really good. I was nervous when I first came in as they’re Premier League players who you watch every week, especially as a team that’s doing well.
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“I have played on FIFA with them for so long, it’s a bit surreal the first time going into the training session! But you realise it’s just football.”
Offiah – who has been with Albion since under-15 level – had experienced pros such as Joel Veltman and Shane Duffy guiding him through the win over the Baggies.
“It was a surreal moment when I found out that I was starting, but then I had to get mentally prepared to impress and to play well.
“My family couldn’t be at the game so that was a shame, but my dad said he was buzzing for me. I have been working for that moment for my whole career.
“The game was fast and obviously a lot different to the under-23s, but it was good experience and I will take a lot from it. It was a difficult challenge, but you have to adapt, use your attributes to your advantage and put in a good performance.
“The older heads in the team talked me through the game, told me where to be and where to go and made sure that I did my best.”
Having had a taste of first-team action, Offiah wants to break into Graham Potter’s Premier League squad.
“That would be the dream, but I need to work hard and focus for that to happen,” he added.