Zac Ashworth heads for West Brom loan exit to Burton Albion
West Brom left-back Zac Ashworth is set to return to League One side Burton Albion on loan, according to the Daily Express and Star.
The newspaper reported online (19 July) that Ashworth, 20, will be allowed to return to Burton Albion after he spent the second half of last season on loan with the Midlands club.
Ashworth helped the Brewers avoid relegation from League One, making 18 appearances and winning on 10 occasions.
And Ashworth’s appearances must have impressed those in Burton with the 20-year-old now set to continue his development away from The Hawthorns once again next season.
Right move
Ashworth is a versatile player who has appeared in a range of positions throughout his short career so far.
He has played primarily as a centre-back and left-back for the Baggies but played most of his football with Burton at left-midfield last season. Whether or not he continues to feature in a more attacking position during his next spell in the Midlands remains to be seen.
Sending the youngster out on loan will be good for his development and the fact it is within an environment he already knows can only help. Ashworth will feel comfortable in his surroundings as he already knows the club and this will allow him to focus on his football with no distractions.
When he returns to West Brom next season he will have turned 21 with his 22nd birthday fast approaching and it will be at this point the club might want to start integrating him more into the first-team picture if they are serious about the player.
This is a big season for Ashworth.
In other West Brom news, a midfielder has jetted off to complete his move to a Champions League club.