Odel Offiah has been urged to carry on the famous family sporting name – by his legendary rugby-playing uncle.

Offiah made an accomplished Albion full debut on the right as they saw off West Brom in the FA Cup.

The versatile defender opted to pursue the round rather than oval ball as a youngster, despite interest from Harlequins.

His uncle Martin, one of the all-time greats of rugby league, has been following his fledgling career.

In an interview with The Argus today, Martin reveals his nephew has the temperament to carry on the well-known name.

He said: “Odel is very calm. He is mature beyond his years and I think he will develop into a big player.

“I keep telling him, ‘Odel you have got big boots to fill with that name but you are more than capable of coping with the attention and carrying on the Offiah legacy’.

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“It’s like carrying on the brand – but it’s better to have big shoes to fill.”

Offiah, who turned 19 in October, is best known as a centre-back and was a surprise starter out wide at The Hawthorns.

He looked increasingly at home before suffering a second-half injury.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “I think he went over on his ankle but I haven’t had the full briefing from the medical team.

“I thought he did fine.

“As you would imagine it’s a tough afternoon, it’s the third round of the FA Cup and if you take this competition lightly, you can become a cropper, so to speak.

“I thought our attitude and mentality was good and helped him and I think he did well.”