Semi Ajayi’s “excellence and attitude” draws praise from West Brom gaffer Tony Mowbray

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi drew the praise of his manager Tony Mowbray after impressing for West Bromwich Albion’s under-21s in a Premier League 2 match against Newcastle United on Monday night, Soccernet.football reports.

Ajayi featured for West Brom’s youth team in a bid to work up his fitness after spending the last four months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. The 31-year-old logged a solid 45 minutes in the first half as the Baggies went on to secure a 3-1 victory at the ARMCO Arena.

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray was in attendance on the night to monitor the progress of Ajayi and another Baggies first team player Daryl Dike. The English tactician could not hide his delight after witnessing the performances of both players.

“They [Semi and Daryl] have been out on the training ground for a week or two, I just feel it was right they play in a game that is not overly controlled for them, where they have to be committed, not like in training where you have to be careful of team-mates,” Mowbray said in quotes revealed by Birmingham Live.

“I thought it was the next step for them to play close to half a game. I hope they feel it was a benefit. It was a benefit for me to watch the game. One to see they both got through no problem and two to see the young players at the club and keep an eye on them, see their development. 

“I’m not sure it brings them to my mind for tomorrow’s game, but it’s one of the steps along the way to get back to contributing to the first team.

Speaking further regarding a potential return date for both players, Mowbray continued: “Let’s see how they feel today. 

“If they are fine, let them do a bit of training today, it’s getting them back in the routine and ready for senior football. With Semi, we have Millwall on the horizon, at six foot five he is someone in my mind to include, so bring him along and see if he can contribute. Every coach wants the full selection.

“It was nice to see Semi who has had a shorter-term injury but I thought the pair was excellent and certainly their attitude in the training session on Sunday and in the game was an example to all young players.”