Aaron Connolly wants to blaze a trail into the Premier League for Albion's emerging young talent.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 striker is, along with Steven Alzate, showing the young brigade they can make their way into Graham Potter’s first team.

Both are expected to be involved at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

Such is Alzate’s rise to prominence, he was rested from the Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa in mdweek.

Connolly, meanwhile, only played an hour with a view to the weekend Prem fixture.

He said: “There are numerous talents here. I can’t think of any other club that has had that many young talents coming through and I think the fans can see that as well.

“The gaffer is building something special, I think.

“Hopefully it can continue. A couple more debuts and four or five in the league squads.

“All the boys who played on Wednesday can see Steve getting man of the match on Saturday (at Newcastle) and me coming on and nearly scoring.

“They can all take confidence from that as well.

“The gaffer is not scared of putting anyone in “If he thinks they are good enough, he will put them in.

“It has been quite obvious he is going to do that.”

Connolly opened his senior account in the recent Carabao Cup win over Bristol Rovers.

He was inches from adding to that tally against Villa.

The first league goal has proved elusive.

He had a decent chance against Burnley but the one which really got away came at Newcastle.

Having expertly lobbed goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, he saw Fabian Schar somehow get back to hook the ball away from under the crossbar.

Connolly said: “I was looking at the ref for about 30 seconds. I think I started celebrating as well.

“That’s just the way it is. It was one of the best clearances I have seen and I was just gutted it happened to me.

“Hopefully if I get another chance soon, I can put it away.”

Connolly played down his influence on the less experienced members of the side who faced Villa.

Asked whether he passed on any tips to the debutants, he said: “It feels weird even saying that “I spoke to a couple of them because I have had a couple of games but nothing too much, to be honest.

“I’m still looking for Duffs and Butts and Bongy to speak to me so I didn’t say too much.”