Mark O’Mahony has been pleased with the way he has settled into life with Albion.
Having arrived in January from Cork City, the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international scored his first Premier League 2 goal last month.
“I was delighted to get off the mark against West Ham, it took a bit of pressure off,” the 18-year-old said. “The lads have been great with me and I am loving it.
"Premier League 2 has been a massive difference from Ireland. It's more tactical and technical – there are a lot of differences. You're playing against the best underage teams in England."
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O'Mahony has been inspired by the success of Evan Ferguson and Andy Moran, two fellow Irishmen who have made it to the first team.
"You can see what Evan has done since he has got into the first team, he's a massive role model for the boys back home, that it doesn't matter how old you are if you work hard you get your chance. He's taken his and doing well.
“You can see with Andy as well that he's had a chance to play. But generally young players get their opportunity here, to me there was no better club to in England. The way the first team are playing, the way people are speaking so positively about the club, it's been really good."
While the first few weeks with the Albion were difficult for O'Mahony, he has found comfort in the support of his teammates and the staff at the club.
"The first few weeks were tough having left home. But it makes it easier with the lads that are here and the people that are at the club. It's enjoyable and it's made it a lot easier. It's very helpful, I knew Jamie Mullins from the Ireland youth camps."
One thing O'Mahony hasn't done since his arrival is his initiation.
"I haven't had to do my initiation yet, and the lads are getting onto me about it," he said. "The Irish lads have welcomed me in though and we talk away."
The under-21s are in action this Saturday, when they take on Fulham at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, kick-off 4pm.