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James Shan's tenure at West Brom so far has been mixed to say the least. There have been some fantastic performances, no less than against Preston. But displays against Bristol City and most recently against Reading have shown there are still lingering problems from Darren Moore's time at the Hawthorns.

Shan chose to rotate against Reading so it's hardly a surprise that they drew 0-0, but some individual performances will have given him a lot to think about.

One of the major dilemmas the 40-year-old will now have to think about is his midfield. He's been able to settle upon a three-man defensive system but you sense he still doesn't know his best team. So in the time he's got left at the club, which is until the end of the season as things stand, what can he do about it?

On the chalkboard

A stand out performer, of which there weren't too many against Reading, was 20-year-old Sam Field. Given he's a product of the flourishing Baggies academy it will have pleased the supporters no end.

His display was mature and he offered plenty of protection to Albion's back three. He played in a midfield two with Rekeem Harper and it was an intriguing experiment from Shan to see him go with two less experienced players.

It was a game that ultimately didn't mean too much, but for the futures of both players, it said a lot. Field was considerably better, whereas Harper showed why the club may be better off not renewing his contract.

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However, despite the performance of the former, Shan can't throw him into the deep end just yet. With the play-offs lingering and so much riding on an instant return to the Premier League, it's time for Albion's more experienced heads to stand up instead.

They may have just lost Gareth Barry to injury and Jake Livermore's form may have been questionable, but a midfield pairing of Chris Brunt and Stefan Johansen would be the best way to go. Both men have been mightily impressive under Shan and they have to be preferred to Field at this stage in the season.