Albion fans have been urged to give the youngsters their backing as they tackle their biggest occasion “for the past few years”.

The under-21s face Reading’s first team squad at the Amex tomorrow in the Bristol Street Motors EFL Trophy (7pm).

Jack Hinchy, who made his first-team debut at Stoke on Saturday, will skipper the side in the quarter-final of the southern section.

Head coach Shannon Ruth says the tie will be valuable experience for his side and he would love to make the occasion as special as possible.

He said: “The opportunity to play at the Amex is a really positive one for the players.

“What we try and ensure is that hopefully the first time they play at the Amex is not their first-team debut.

“If we can get them an opportunity to play at the stadium before then, it gives them a good experience and a familiarity with their surroundings and bits and pieces.

“And then to have a crowd there and an opportunity to get to a quarter-final, that is certainly the biggest occasion for the team this season and probably for the 21s for the past few years.

“We haven’t got to this stage for a long time so we are very aware of what this game means.

“I know there will be a lot of the players’ families in the crowd and a lot of academy staff there watching players they have worked with.

“A really positive night, hopefully, for everybody involved.”

Tickets for the West Lower are on sale online, priced £10 for adults and £5 for 65-plus and under-18s.

All prices rise by £5 on matchday.