Aston Villa prospect draws praise from former West Brom manager

Former West Brom manager Darren Moore, now in charge at Doncaster, has praised the acquisition of Aston Villa youngster Jacob Ramsey ahead of tonight’s clash with Bolton Wanderers.

Ramsey joined Rovers in the transfer window as they hope to launch an assault on the top six in League One, bagging a brace on his debut for the club. They’re only three points outside the top six, but have five games left at home and 11 away. One of those away games is the reverse fixture against the Trotters, controversially called off earlier in the year.

They face Keith Hill’s side tonight knowing they will make up ground on one of Portsmouth or Coventry, who play each other in fourth and fifth. Whilst catching them might be a challenge, Moore believes having Aston Villa youngster Ramsey in his ranks is a big boost.

“He’s a wonderful signing and acquisition for us,” Moore told the Doncaster Free Press.

“He got the two goal for us on Tuesday night and he’s played the game on Saturday and learned about the different types of games. That will be huge for Jacob on his second league outing for us at the football club.”

The 18-year-old could feature for Moore this evening, but the former Baggies boss was clear that he won’t be over-exposed.

“It’s how we use him and when we use him in the games ahead of us to get the maximum energy and potential out of him. He’ll be a good player for us but also it’ll be a wonderful learning curve for him in terms of his future as a footballer.”

Bolton are bottom of the table, five points adrift of Southend United with two games in hand.

Our View

Aston Villa have plenty of talented young players who make an impression in League One. Callum Hare is looking superb for near rivals Coventry City, raising eyebrows in the stadium of bitter enemy Birmingham City. 

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy also looked decent for Tranmere and Ramsey is the latest off the production line. Doncaster, who made the top six last season, are hoping to go one better this time out and Ramsey’s opening game certainly hints at him being a key figure for them in the coming weeks.