World Cup high note to end Chris Wood's year with West Bromwich Albion

Nov 21 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

FROM being sat on the bench in Albion’s youth team to reaching the World Cup.

As 12 months go, 2009 hasn’t been a bad one for Chris Wood.

The youngster, who turns 18 next month, became, potentially, the fourth Baggies player to book his ticket for next summer’s tournament in South Africa.

And it capped a whirlwind few months for the striker, who last season became Albion’s youngest debutant for five decades.

He admits that 2009 will not be a year that he forgets in a hurry.

“I didn’t ever think this would happen,” he said.

“I was sitting on the bench for Albion’s youth team 12 months ago.

“The last eight to 12 months have been amazing – I couldn’t have hoped for them to go any better.

“I’ve achieved a lot of things in a short space of time but there is a lot more I want to achieve.

“You normally have to wait until later on in your career to do all this.

“To do it so young is fantastic.

“And I’ve got sensible people around me to give me advice and keep my feet on the ground.

“I’ve also got good mates from the academy at the training ground.”

Wood is now having to get used to being given the special treatment in his homeland.

“Now we’re the new heroes and it feels very special, especially at such a young age,” he added.

“There were just over 35,000 fans at the Westpac Stadium on Saturday and the atmosphere was great.

“There is a lot of excitement everywhere and in the media.

“Hopefully this really puts football on the map in New Zealand now.”