WORCESTER City could land more of West Bromwich Albion’s brightest prospects after it emerged the two clubs were looking to form a “longer-term” relationship.

Talented teenagers Ethan Ross, George Cleet and Shaun Donnellan have all made their mark at City this season after successful loan moves from the Premier League club.

And joint-manager Carl Heeley revealed he had held talks with Darren Moore, head of Baggies’ youth loan programme, about strengthening their partnership.

“Darren was incredibly positive about the way we look after the players at Worcester and he certainly intimated there could be a longer-term relationship,” Heeley said.

“Ethan, Shaun and George have not cost the football club a single penny as West Brom pay all of their salaries. They have got a good grounding and hopefully their games will develop here.”

Cleet returned to West Brom last week but Ross will remain on loan at City until the end of the season.

Heeley says he was hopeful of keeping Donnellan, who netted twice in Worcester’s 2-0 victory over North Ferriby United on Saturday, for the rest of the campaign.

“We have thrown Shaun into midfield as he is a big lad, heads it well and has got good feet,” he said.

“But most importantly he has got high energy levels and the goals he has got is just about the timing of his runs, arriving in the box and then showing the composure to stick the ball away. He has been superb for us and we are delighted with him.”

Heeley said City have also received positive feedback from League One outfit Walsall, who decided to give forward Jordan Murphy a second spell at the Blue and Whites and send striker Amadou Bakayoko on a youth loan to Aggborough.

“Walsall were looking to put Jordan into League Two but, because he had such a successful spell with the club before and Jordan wanted to come back, we have got him,” Heeley said.

“Amadou has got a lot to learn but he is different and has got a lot of potential, so all of these loan players help to boost the squad, which is vitally important to the club.

“These relationships could also open doors to pre-season friendlies, which could again bring in crucial income in the summer. This has to be offset with the cost of hiring grounds but it is something we need to consider.”

He added: “Other clubs are delighted with what we do with the players, how we look after them and you can see the players are flourishing here.

“It is not just West Brom and Walsall, it is all of the Midlands clubs we have got decent relationships with and a lot of that is down to how organised we are.

“We like to think we are very professional and the sessions that Matt (Gardiner) puts on are first-class and I think our man-management of individuals is key to it.”