Stuart Gray was pleased with the performances of debutant starters Lewis Baker and Will Keane against Birmingham on Tuesday.
The duo, on loan from Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, were pitched into battle versus the Blues and emerged with credit, said Gray:
“I thought they did well. Their ball retention was very good, with Will providing a good outlet up top.
“They are talented players and we are a good club where they can develop their game.
“You only have to look at the likes of Ross Barkley and Connor Wickham and how they progressed in their time with us so hopefully Will and Lewis will do the same.”
Keane departed the midweek action early having suffered a cut to the eye but Gray expects the striker to be fit for the trip to Reading on Saturday.
He added: “Will took a knock just around his eye area and had a couple of stiches but I’m sure he will be fine for the Reading game at the weekend.”