‘Vitally important’ – Exclusive: Pundit delivers verdict as West Brom striker agrees new deal
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips is happy that West Brom have been able to secure a new contract for striker Callum Morton.
Albion confirmed on their official Twitter account earlier this week that the 20-year-old centre-forward had put pen to paper on a new four-year deal before joining Lincoln City on a season-long loan.
West Brom News exclusively revealed in July that talks had begun over a new deal for Morton after his impressive loan spell at Northampton.
Morton scored eight goals in 12 appearances for Northampton, with one of those goals coming in a 4-0 win against Exeter City in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.
Phillips believes it makes sense to put faith in young, up-and-coming players who are already at the club at the moment due to the financial climate that football finds itself in due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He also reckons that Morton could play himself into the Baggies first-team if he impresses out on loan again this season.
“With the state of football and the country at the moment, getting young players secured is vitally important because you don’t want to lose them. If you do, you have to go out and pay to replace them and the money, quite simply, isn’t there now,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Putting these young players on long-term contracts and sending them out on loan again next season to develop, all of a sudden, at the start of next season you have a player who could step straight into your side and perform.”
Morton has been handed a big opportunity at Lincoln.
Michael Appleton is bound to give him plenty of game-time due to his affiliation with West Brom and the fact that Morton was so prolific in League Two last season.
If the striker can impress in the third-tier, he’ll take a major leap towards being in the Albion senior squad.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have been linked with a Chelsea defender.
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