19y/o loanee hails West Brom coach as key influence ahead of stern Manchester City test
Josh Griffiths has poured praise on West Brom coach and former goalkeeper Boaz Myhill ahead of a huge FA Cup clash with Manchester City for his loan side Cheltenham Town.
The 19-year-old goalkeeper is on the Albion books but has been on loan at League Two side Cheltenham since the start of the season and has produced some impressive displays for the Robins as they soared into the play-off places and the FA Cup fourth-round.
They face an unenviable task on Saturday as they take on a star-studded Manchester City side with Griffiths sure to be in the firing line on numerous occasions at The Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
Ahead of the fixture Griffiths spoke to Johnny Phillips for the Express & Star and praised West Brom’s under-23 coach and former stopper Myhill for his help, saying: “Boaz has played at the highest level and he’s got great little game tips and preparation tips.
“He’s someone I always call or speak to if I’m not sure about anything.
“We go through my games for Cheltenham as well. Someone who has been there and done it like that is really helpful for me.”
Chance to shine
With Jonathan Bond recently departing The Hawthorns there appears to be an opportunity for someone to stake a claim to be Sam Johnstone’s number two in the coming months.
After Bond left for LA Galaxy Albion brought in experienced stopper Andy Lonergan on a short-term contract until the end of the season to provide back-up for Johnstone.
Clearly the 37-year-old Lonergan is not considered to be a medium or long-term candidate to battle for the goalkeeping jersey so there is a real chance for Griffiths to take up the mantle.
He might well stay at Cheltenham for the rest of the season but if he continues to impress do not be surprised to see him fight for the shirt come the start of next season, particularly if the worst happens and Albion do end up in the Championship.
The spotlight will be shone on Griffiths on Saturday evening in front of the TV cameras and he will be doing his all to show Baggies bosses that he is a star in the making.
In other West Brom news, Big Sam scoops top award after wonderful Wolves win.
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