Josh Griffiths set to stay at Portsmouth all season, could be ‘huge’ asset for West Brom
Danny Cowley believes that West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths will remain on loan at Portsmouth until the end of the season as previously agreed.
Steve Bruce let the 21-year-old leave The Hawthorns for the year to get regular games in League One at Fratton Park but the Baggies have a recall option throughout January.
There has been a change in manager for Albion since then but Carlos Corberan appears unlikely to recall him in January with David Button and Alex Palmer both fit.
“Yes (he thinks Griffiths will stay). We certainly hope he will be here,” Cowley said, as quoted by The Portsmouth News. “This is his third loan and I think he’s improving by the day.
“Someone like Josh Griffiths, if he’s able to fulfil his potential, which is huge, he’s going to be a future West Brom player and a huge asset to their organisation.
“He’s been really consistent and we’ve been pleased with his form.”
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There is little sense in bringing him back from the south coast only for him to sit on the bench behind Palmer or Button so leaving him there is the right move.
Corberan will have to make a tough decision next season, though, with three top goalkeepers at his disposal and possibly only two able to be regular enough to keep them happy.
Button may have to take on a lesser role as by far the oldest of the trio but Ron Gourlay could easily be persuading the Spaniard to pick Griffiths over Palmer.
His potential is huge, as Cowley noted, and the club could be eyeing him as a big-money sale in the near future if he excels at The Hawthorns like everybody expects him to.
His price tag will only be huge while he is still young enough to warrant it and offer the longevity required so this is turning into a crucial crossroads in his career.
In other West Brom news, this 15-year-old Albion talent joined players from elite clubs in Italy for a festive tournament and won every single game.