Over what has been a tumultuous season thus far for West Bromwich Albion, few have actually improved their standing in the game with the recent form of the club.

Before Tuesday night’s win, the Baggies had won one of their last 12 Championship games, and despite gaining three points most recently, still sit three points adrift in 23rd.

Relegation form such as this for a club that was in the Premier League just over a season ago was unthinkable, and for Steve Bruce his position became untenable.

Carlos Corberan will now enter looking to see what players he can rely on to get them safe, first and foremost, before dreams of a return to the top flight can become possible.

Few names spring to mind, but one that has held his own during the tough times is 23-year-old Dara O’Shea.

At a time when experience is often favoured over youth, he has proved that he boasts a maturity far beyond his years.

It even led Bruce to label him a “future captain” with a “bright future” at the club.

The qualities that have helped him to stand out this season have been outlined in his average SofaScore rating of 7.06, bettered only by John Swift, who has upheld the majority of the creative burden for the side.

The Republic of Ireland international has played every minute of their league campaign this season, which makes the fact that he is averaging 3.2 clearances, 2.1 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game even more impressive.

O’Shea has been a defensive stalwart at a time when the club was in desperate need of any shining light.

His exploits at such a dark time have likely led to his sharp increase in value, which has gone from just £810k in October 2020 to £3.6m in October 2022: a mammoth 344% increase in just two years.

West Brom certainly struck gold with this academy graduate who has quickly become a mainstay at the club.

With the new manager now in place, any success he gains in the future will likely be built off the solid foundations that the youngster brings.