James Beadle says he’s had an “amazing” experience with the first team in recent weeks, as he looks ahead to tonight’s Premier League Cup game with our under-21s.
Shannon Ruth’s team travel to the home of Hanwell Town to take on Queens Park Rangers (7pm), with Beadle expected to be between the sticks.
The 18-year-old was involved with the first team against Aston Villa yesterday, as well as against Wolves earlier this month.
“It’s been an amazing few weeks for me,” said Beadle. “To get these experiences on a Premier League match day at my age is vital for my career and development.
“It’s where I want to be and being involved, even just in the warm-up, is a great step forward. I’m learning so much and getting a feel of the first-team environment is important.”
Beadle joined Albion from Charlton in January and has established himself as our first-choice goalkeeper in Premier League 2.
It’s been a rapid rise from the Addicks to his involvement with Roberto De Zerbi’s squad, and the teenager is loving every second of it.
“I’m enjoying it a lot. I feel like I’ve come a long way quite quickly since joining the club, and to be given the chance in and around the first team means a lot. It gives me confidence going into games with the 21s and in training.
“I love working with Jack (Stern) and Ricard (Segarra), as well as our other keepers. Rob [Sanchez] and [Jason] Steele have welcomed me and the standards are so high.
“Everyone works so hard and it’s brilliant being so close to them. The sessions we do are always enjoyable and I feel like I’m improving every day.
“I just want to try and do well when I’m with them, keep playing well for the 21s and keep getting opportunities.”
Beadle believes exposure in a first-team environment is helping his form with the under-21s. “I think I’ve done pretty well so far this season and as a team we’re getting better and better. We’re playing great football under Shannon now.
“The results have been really good recently and we just need to keep pushing. Personally all I can do is continue to work hard, play well and hopefully good opportunities will keep coming my way.”