New Zealand international, Chris Wood, believes the exit of Craig Beattie at the start of the season is the main reason for his impressive emergence this term. The 17-year-old striker made his first senior start against Newcastle on the opening day of the season and smashed his first goal in Albion colours with a stunning volley against Doncaster last month.
However Wood, a product of Albion’s academy, believes if it wasn’t for the departure of former teammate Beattie to Swansea he’d still be waiting in the wings for his opportunity.
“Beatts leaving has definitely helped me,” the youngster said.
"It's opened up gaps and opportunities that have allowed me to be more involved in the first team than I would have thought at the start of the season.
"I am getting there - but I still feel like a youth team player at the moment!
"It will be good to see Beatts. He is doing alright down at Swansea.
"I'm sure he'll get a good reception when he comes back."
Baggies Boss Roberto Di Matteo has backed Wood to become a hit in years to come at The Hawthorns but has warned the talented Kiwi there’s plenty of hard work ahead of him.
"Chris is a young talented boy," said the Italian.
"You can see he lacks a bit of experience but I think he has done well so far.
"As far as I know, you finish growing when you're 20/21.
"Considering his size, he is quite mobile but I keep reminding everyone he is only 18 in December, so we have to be patient with him.
"If I didn't think he was ready, I wouldn't have played him.
"We're not a development team - we are trying to do something.
"The things he needs to work on are his first touch, retaining the ball, link-up play and scoring more goals - because he gets the chances."