Josh Griffiths outlines why latest loan away from West Brom was vital amid Joe Wildsmith praise

The 23-year-old Albion academy graduate spent the first half of the season on loan at Bristol Rovers, which came after previous stints at Cheltenham, Lincoln and Portsmouth.

The England under 21 international was then recalled after Alex Palmer's January departure to Ipswich Town - with many predicting it would be Griffiths' time to shine.

However, number two Joe Wildsmith was given the nod, but after a handful of errors Griffiths was called upon last week against Bristol City, and now has the opportunity to make the shirt his own.

Griffiths did have a run of games two seasons ago in the absence of Palmer through injury, and was played in cup games including the FA Cup clash with Wolves last season.

Some expected Griffiths to remain at the club last summer - but as the stopper himself has explained, the loan to Bristol Rovers was required and will aid him as he looks to cement his place as Baggies number one.

He said: "I needed that loan, in truth.

"I had to go and play, not to quite go from a boy to a man, but to add maturity to my game and gain that self belief.

"The loan did me the world of good, playing for Rovers and I really felt like I found my playing personality during my time there.

"That gave me the confidence to come back and play here.

"Don't get me wrong, I know there's so much I need to work on but that excites me. I don't believe I'm the finished article, but I feel I'm in a much better position because of going on loan.

"Now, it's about working as hard as I can and believing in myself and seeing where that can take me."

Prior to his call up to the side last week, some fans had been calling for Griffiths to be drafted in for Wildsmith, but the decision only came after a big error in the defeat to Sunderland.

Griffiths admitted he was hoping to be back in the number one spot on his return in January - but has had to bide his time.

And has paid tribute to Wildsmith for his support after Tony Mowbray made the call last week.

He added: "It was very respectful. Joe and myself get along really well, as a lot of goalkeepers unions do.

"He knew how I felt when he got the Sheffield Wednesday nod, and vice-versa.

"You've both always been in that position before and Joe has been amazing with supporting me, and he'd say the same about me supporting him when he was playing.

"You have to respect it and it's a difficult position to play in, as everyone knows because there is a lot of pressure on you, but I can't speak highly enough of Joe for how he's helped me."