CHERRIES’ teenage defender Baily Cargill is steeling himself for the toughest examination of his fledging career against one of the country’s hottest striking prospects.

Cargill, who yesterday signed a new contract at the club, is expected to return to the starting line-up when Cherries host Premier League West Brom in the fourth round of the League Cup (7.45pm).

The 19-year-old has played a starring role as Eddie Howe’s men have progressed to the last 16, featuring in wins – and helping them keep clean sheets – against Exeter, Northampton and Cardiff.

Should he get the nod, Cargill could find himself up against Saido Berahino who is emerging as one of the most coveted players in the top flight and is in contention for a place in the England squad.

Berahino, who is likely to be a January transfer target for a host of clubs, has netted eight goals this season – including six in West Brom’s past five games – and is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League.

Valued in excess of £25million, the England under-21 international has already scored more times in the top flight than any Albion player managed throughout the whole of last season and hit the winner in the Baggies’ 3-2 victory against Hull in the third round last month.

Cargill, a product of the Cherries youth ranks, told the Daily Echo: “I would like to play because it would be a very good test for me. West Brom will bring some top-quality players and it will be a good chance for us to test ourselves against Premier League opposition.

“I have watched Saido Berahino a lot because I like watching England under-21s. I have seen how he plays and he is a talented player who you can imagine is only going to get better.

“I have also watched West Brom and looked at the players I might come up against. Players like Berahino, Victor Anichebe and Stephane Sessegnon are all brilliant and have high expectations of themselves so I have to have high expectations of myself.

“I feel I have done fairly well when I have played and we have kept three clean sheets. It would be great to keep another one but we know this is going to be our toughest test in the League Cup so far.

“The higher you go, the better players are technically. Exeter and Northampton were more direct whereas Cardiff tried to play and I am sure West Brom will do the same and be a lot better.

“If anyone had said to me at the start of the season that I would be where I am now, I would have grabbed it with both hands. I am just trying to make the most of where I am and make the most of my opportunities.”

League Cup fourth round: Spurs v Brighton, Stoke City v Southampton, Cherries v West Brom, Shrewsbury Town v Chelsea, Liverpool v Swansea City, MK Dons v Sheffield United, Manchester City v Newcastle United, Fulham v Derby County.