HEAD coach Graham Potter says there could be some "nice surprises" amongst Albion's next generation.

Several under-23s are with the senior squad for the pre-season training camp in Austria.

Potters has a reputation for giving young players an opportunity in his previous posts at Swansea and Ostersund in Sweden.

Summer signings Leandro Trossard and Matt Clarke are both in their early Twenties and, although it is customary to take some young players on prep trips abroad, Potter says those promoted to the senior ranks are not solely making up the numbers.

He told The Argus: "It's a bit of both. Clubs use that as a nice opportunity to get an understanding of what's coming through the academy and the 23's. There can be some nice surprises in that process and some of the guys have impressed to be honest.

"It's good to see them amongst the first team group, with the caveat that it's still pre-season, but you can see the quality is there. They've just got to carry on taking the next step. Young players are good, it's a nice feeling for everybody.

"I think the supporters appreciate a young player in the team, but we know it's the Premier League and we know the competition is tough.

"It doesn't really matter how old they are, it's whether they can help us win the game, be competitive. That's the challenge."