This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Brom's unbeaten start to the season in the league continues following their 1-1 draw at the weekend against Derby County, that makes it a record of two wins and three draws for Slaven Bilic's side in the Championship.

With Bilic looking ahead to the weekend visit of Blackburn Rovers, the 50-year-old has come out and confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Rekeem Harper, does have a big part to play at the Hawthorns and will get his chance soon.

Bilic said as quoted by the Express and Star: “He’s a great talent. I insisted that he stayed, because he was out of contract.

“I rate him extremely highly and I have had meetings with him and talks. He’s improving a lot since then, the quality was never in doubt, and he’s getting there.

“At the same time we have a big squad and the guys are doing well at the moment.

“Like any other player he has to be patient, work hard, and wait for his chance that is going to come 100 per cent, probably soon.”

Harper has made two appearances this season, gaining a start in the Carabao Cup defeat to Millwall while coming off the bench in the season opener against Nottingham Forest.

So, is Bilic making the right decision keeping hold of Harper?

We discuss........

George Dagless

"Yes, it is.

"Harper showed last season at times what he could be in terms of a player in the years to come and West Brom needed to keep him at the club.

"Celtic were obviously interested in him earlier on in this window and it is evident that he is a player that many rate highly.

"Slaven Bilic will know what a good young player looks like and it is clear he rates him highly.

Gary Hutchinson

“Absolutely, 100%. He’s a real talent that boy and the Baggies need to hold on to him as long as possible.

“It’s not that easy of course; if he kicks up a fuss he could force a move but it won’t be until January now.

“The best thing the player can do is sit tight and play his football. If he’s a success on the field and he wants a move, it’ll all happen for him on merit in the winter.

“Bilic is absolutely right to hang on to him as long as possible though, he’ll accrue value as well as add it on the field.”

[ad_pod ]

George Brooks

"It was 100% the right call. Rekeem Harper is a very talented footballer and I'm expecting him to play an important role for West Brom in the Championship this season.

"He was very impressive last season and proved that he's got what it takes to compete at this level.

"Bilic is a top coach and should be able to get the best out of him. He will continue to improve and grow in confidence with more experience.

"It seemed as though Harper was going to leave West Brom at one stage, so you have to wonder how much the club's decision to appoint Bilic as head coach convinced him to stay and sign a new deal."