Ed Turns will be hoping to help Albion under-23s return to winning ways in Premier League 2 on Monday, when they visit rivals Crystal Palace at 1pm.
Andrew Crofts' side are aiming for their first win in five games, but Turns will take the match in his stride, like he has so many other things this season.
Having grown up in Hassocks, the lifelong Albion fan joined the academy at under-12 level, progressed through the age groups and impressed when making his first-team debut against Swansea earlier this season.
The 19-year-old centre back has also trained regularly with the first team over the last 12 months and signed his first professional contract in December.
It’s been an amazing journey for Turns, who looks back on his debut in the Carabao Cup with great fondness. “I was playing well for the under-23s and was hopeful that I would be involved in the Swansea game,” he said.
“I trained with the group in the build-up and thought I might make the bench but Crofty said, ‘Be prepared, I think they might be giving you 45 minutes.’
“Then I was told that I could be playing the full 90. I was starting in a back four with Haydon [Roberts], Dan [Burn] and Tariq [Lamptey]. I wasn’t expecting that but was buzzing!
“I made my debut at the Amex and I had a few of my mates, who are all big Albion fans, there too. I couldn’t believe it.
“I wasn’t expecting things to happen for me this quickly this season and to make my debut, but it gives you the belief that you can play at that level and now I want more.”
Turns is one of many under-23s players Graham Potter has given a debut to with Evan Ferguson recently handed his Premier League debut against Burnley.
The path to the first-team has never been clearer and Turns is just enjoying his football within Crofts’ set-up.
“I love training.” said Turns. “It’s good fun but at the same time it’s very professional. Crofty and Shannon [Ruth] push us hard, and everyone has got a good relationship with them.
“It’s not just them, it’s all the backroom staff we have, it’s a really good environment to be a part of, with good friendships built up. It makes your time at the club more enjoyable. That helps you play better.”
Turns believes his game is suited to Potter’s style of play. “I have become more tidy on the ball and I’ve got technically better.” said Turns. “I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t progressed that aspect of my game.
“You have to be able to bring the ball out of defence and they are trying to develop so you are able to play like they do in the first team. I’ve been with the under-23s for over a year now and feel I’ve made a big improvement during that time.”
Albion fans can follow today’s match live via the club’s match centre or social media channels.