Jake Forster-Caskey has backed Albion’s young stars to build on a season of “over-achievement”.

But he admits they will need the help of senior men and new signings to improve on sixth place.

Foster-Caskey and his colleagues take on Partick Thistle in Spain today (6pm BST) in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.

The England under-21 midfielder reckoned Oscar Garcia’s side, including several youngsters, over-achieved in reaching the Championship play-offs last term.

He has also highlighted the efforts of seniors including Leo Ulloa, for whom Albion turned down a bid from Leicester worth in excess of £6million this week.

Foster-Caskey said: “We’ve got really good, experienced players here. Playing with players like Bruno, Calde (Inigo Calderon) and Ulloa will only make you better.

“Hopefully we attract more players here and become a better squad this year and see what we can do.

“For a lot of us it was our first proper season in the Championship and we got in the play-offs “There were a lot of sides with a lot more experience and they didn’t make the top six.

“Maybe it ended a bit badly against Derby but it was probably an over-achievement to get there.

“This year we have got that experience under our belt and hopefully we can push a bit further.”

Irish international left-back Stephen Ward remains a likely target after being left out of Wolves’ opening friendly at Cheltenham last night and the prep-season trip to Ireland, which starts tomorrow.

Ward and his agent have been told he must take a pay cut if he is to return to the Seagulls on a more permanent deal.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett confirmed his club had received no offer for the left-back, who started on loan at the Amex last term.

Ward has been told the onus is on him to reach agreement with a new club first.

Should he manage that with Albion, a transfer fee expected to be about £100,000 should not be a sticking point.