Baggies consider Mattock loan

Defender could be farmed out to second tier club

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Baggies consider Mattock loan

Mattock: Turbulent time

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West Bromwich Albion have confirmed they would be willing to let Joe Mattock go on loan this season, although they are keen to keep hold of the left-back for the time being.

The England Under-21 international is looking to put his recent court case behind him after being given a suspended jail sentence for pleading guilty to affray in a nightclub 12 months ago.

But the former Leicester player, who made 24 appearances in the Baggies' promotion campaign last season, faces stiff competition from Marek Cech as well as summer signing Nicky Shorey for a place in Roberto Di Matteo's team.

And Hawthorns technical director Dan Ashworth admits the club could let the defender return to the Championship before the loan window ends when Cech returns to fitness.

Knuckle down

"He's a young boy. What happened was worrying for Joe but he was 19. He's still young," said Ashworth.

"He will knuckle down and focus on a promising career. We are sure he will be fine.

"We have had some interest in Joe but he was injured, and I think people were concerned about the court case, so it will be interesting to see what happens."

Ashworth added: "Joe has achieved a lot in his career. He played a lot of games for Leicester, a lot for us last season.

"He's got two terrific players vying for the same spot in Nicky Shorey and Cech.

"If he goes to the Championship to gain more experience, then fine. But we currently only have one fit left-back and Joe will be fit before Marek so he will stay here for now."