Dale Stephens believes Albion's teenage striker Aaron Connolly can be a pest in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old grabbed the headlines with a double strike against Tottenham on his first Prem start.

He was promoted to the full Republic of Ireland squad for their Euro qualifiers after the game and could face Georgia today.

Stephens reckons the Irishman possesses more than just an eye for goal which will serve him well.

Asked whether Connolly has the ability to get under defenders’ skins, Stephens replied: “Yes, he’s got that side to his game and he’s going to need it.

“He’s not a big lad, and he has got different abilities to a big centre-forward but he can use what he has got to his advantage.

“Being a pain and a pest is what he is good at and that proved good for us (against Tottenham).”

Stephens believes Connolly offers more than just goals - and has set the standard for others wishing to work their way into Graham Potter’s first team plans.

The midfielder added: “He has been good throughout pre-season and he has worked hard.

“He is not only a goal threat but he’ll work for the team and that’s what we need.

“If other young players are going to come through, that is the level they are going to have to aim for.

He was man of the match and, hopefully, he and the young boys can continue that progressive attitude and show performances like that.”