Baggies wonderkid hails old stager Gaz... who had played 50 Prem games when he was BORN

WEST BROM teen sensation Rekeem Harper relishes being pitched into battle alongside old stager Gareth Barry.

Former England star Barry already had 50 Premier League games under his belt before Harper was born. And the odd couple will work together in midfield again tonight at QPR. Premier League appearance record-holder Barry celebrates his 38th birthday on Saturday – Harper was born just three months into this century. But the youngster has already shown he does not need to be treated with kid gloves, having started eight of Albion’s last nine games. Harper said: “Gaz is a legend. He’s been around for ages. He always encourages me and if I make mistakes he tells me to keep going and to be positive.”

A 2-0 victory at Aston Villa on Saturday moved Albion to within four points of the top two and Harper believes their squad is good enough to make the step up.

He added: “We just want to play at the highest level. We’ve got the players to be in the Premier League so we just need to stay focused on the task at hand and push for it.”

Harper’s breakthrough is no surprise to Albion boss Darren Moore, who worked with him at the academy. Harper said: “He encourages you to play to your strengths. If we do that and come together as one, we’re confident we can get the job done.

“I know what the gaffer expects from me. If I make mistakes, I’ll still try to do it because that’s how you learn.

Barry has had to adjust to the Championship after a long career at the top, but he likes the challenge.

He said: “I’m genuinely enjoying my football. The manager and coaching staff are really good and they understand where I am at at this stage of my career.

“I can’t train and play every game and they look after me.”

Albion will move to within three points of leaders Norwich if they win tonight and Barry was impressed with the way his team shut down Villa after they took the lead.

Barry added: “It was a good sign we can do that. In certain games this season we’ve probably been a bit too open and then conceded goals.”