Albion teenager Jake Forster-Caskey has paid tribute to the influence of Matt Upson.

The veteran former England centre-half makes the 350th League appearance of his career against Middlesbrough at the Amex today after scoring the winner against them earlier in the season.

Forster-Caskey, only two years old when Upson made his debut, told The Argus: “He’s an amazing guy to have around the place.

“He has done everything in the game, played for England and some big clubs in the Premier League.

“To have his experience and knowledge on the pitch, giving clear instructions from behind for a central midfielder like me, is just phenomenal really and he has got an amazing talent to go with it.

“Also, the likes of Keith Andrews and the other senior pros have been brilliant for us youngsters this year, because they keep the team in check and ticking over.”

Forster-Caskey, 19, is trying to learn from Albion's old guard. He said: "If you've got that in the dressing room I don't see why not, because you are only going to improve by talking to people like that.

"I think you would silly not to speak to them and take in what they say, because they have been there and done it and you haven't."