“Really, really pleased” – Steve Bruce delivers exciting prediction about West Brom player

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Bruce has claimed he is “really, really pleased” with what he’s seen from 20-year-old goalkeeper Josh Griffiths in pre-season and predicted big things for the academy product.

Griffiths has impressed out on loan in the past two seasons – helping Cheltenham Town win League Two in 2020/21 before stepping up to League One with Lincoln City last term – but is third choice at the Championship club despite Sam Johnstone’s exit.

David Button is set to be Albion’s number one with Alex Palmer his backup but with the latter sidelined with a minor injury, Bruce gave an opportunity to his number three shot-stopper in the pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient earlier this week.

Speaking to the Express&Star after the game, the West Brom boss heaped praise on Griffiths and predicted big things for the young keeper.

He said: “Alex Palmer had a slight hip flexor problem, but I’ve wanted to see the young one (Griffiths).

“He’s going to be some goalkeeper, the young lad, I have to tell you.

“I’m really, really pleased. His kicking, everything about him. He’s got a wonderful stature.

“He’s done very, very well.”

Griffiths has been linked with another loan move away from the West Midlands club this summer, with Portsmouth touted as a potential destination back in June.

The Verdict

Baggies fans will love to hear Bruce waxing lyrical about one of their up-and-coming keepers, with their options at the position currently weaker than it has been in previous years following Johnstone’s departure.

This term will likely be too early for Griffiths to prove his worth for the Albion first team but if the manager is right in his exciting prediction, the 20-year-old could be a future number one.

It would be a surprise