Steve Bruce has a difficult decision to make regarding his goalkeepers at West Bromwich Albion. The 61-year-old has David Button, Alex Palmer and Josh Griffiths at his disposal but needs only two of the three shot-stoppers going into next season.

Button is expected to be West Brom’s No.1 after replacing Sam Johnstone for the final few games of the season. Alex Palmer is the next senior goalkeeper, so it would make sense for him to be the 33-year-old’s deputy and long-term replacement.

That leaves no place for Griffiths, however, and Bruce isn’t sure what is best for his young career. He said via the Express and Star: “With Josh it’s difficult. At this moment in time, do you let him push with the other two, or do you try and find a progression because he’s played over the last couple of years?

“We’ll see what develops because what’s best for him is crucial.” The 20-year-old has risen through the youth ranks to the fringes of West Brom’s first-team, making 21 appearances for the U18s and six appearances for the U23s.

Griffiths was loaned out to League Two side Cheltenham Town in 2020/21), making 50 appearances in all competitions, conceding 45 goals with 21 clean sheets. He was then to League One outfit Lincoln City in 2021/22, making 35 appearances across the board, conceding 49 goals with two clean sheets, so he has a lot of experience at a young age.

After playing in League Two and League One, the natural progression would be the Championship, but he doesn’t have a chance of getting in ahead of Button and Palmer. Griffiths would be better off being loaned out next season rather than be allowed to stagnate on the bench or in the reserves at West Brom.

His time will come for the Baggies.

In other news, Carlton Palmer says John Swift is an ‘ambitious’ signing by West Brom