ROBERTO Di Matteo is eager to send Chris Wood out on loan to the Championship to help him develop - but not until injuries have cleared up at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies boss has confirmed Derby's interest in borrowing the New Zealand international, who came on as a substitute in Albion's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool after being drafted in as a last-minute replacement for Roman Bednar (Achilles) on the bench.
Whether it be at the Rams or another club, he has no doubts Wood is ready for regular first-team football at that level.
And he admits he will be looking for a suitable move for the striker once Ishmael Miller has overcome the thigh injury that has sidelined him.
"It is correct Derby have been in touch," said Di Matteo.
"I'm in favour of Chris Wood playing every week.
"But, as you saw against Liverpool, he played for us.
"Miller is injured for quite a considerable amount of time.
"Bednar pulled out in the warm-up at Anfield with an injury.
"Fortuné played, I took him off, and Chris Wood came on.
"I have to wait for other players to get better and then we'll reassess the situation and see how it goes.
"Of course it would benefit him to go out on loan.
"At this age he will only get better by playing regularly.
"In our team he might get some chances to play but he won't be playing week-in, week-out.
"Where he is now in his career he will only benefit by playing every week.
"I have no doubt he could do a job in the Championship."
