JOE Mattock has been backed by Dan Ashworth to learn his lesson from his recent court case and get his career back on track.
The Baggies' Sporting and Technical Director admits it has been a difficult time for the 20-year-old defender, who is currently sidelined by an ankle injury.
He remains as back-up to experienced pros Nicky Shorey and Marek Cech for the left-back spot.
But Ashworth expects to send the former Leicester man out on loan this season to continue his development.
"It was a worrying time for Joe, for his family and everyone involved," he said.
"People forget Joe has only just turned 20.
"At that age you're not quite as worldly-wise as you should be.
"I'm sure Joe will have learnt from the error of his ways, will knuckle down and continue what is a very, very promising career.
"He's still a young boy and he's achieved a lot in his short career.
"He played a lot of first-team games at Leicester and he played a lot for us last season.
"He got to the European Championship semi-finals with England Under-19s.
"He's still only young and he's got two terrific players vying for the same slot, in Marek Cech and Nicky Shorey.
"If it means Joe having a few more games in the Championship to gain experience, then fine.
"We've got a situation now where we've only got one fit left-back.
"Marek and Joe have both got injuries and Joe will be fit before Marek, so Joe will probably be back in the squad until Marek is fit again and then we will look at the possibility of loaning him out."
Ashworth has also confirmed the club will be looking to loan out Luke Daniels.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has just returned to training following the pre-season back injury that scuppered his season-long move to Bristol Rovers.
"Luke Daniels has resumed training," Ashworth added.
"He was set for a season-long loan but now the window has gone you can't do that.
"He'll be fit again for match action probably in the next two weeks and I imagine he'll go out on loan.
"He's played around 100 first-team games now on loan at Shrewsbury and Tranmere, so I imagine there will be a few takers for Luke."
