Club News

Downing: JT staying put for now

Joint-assistant boss says winger has part to play at The Hawthorns after Rovers interest

KEITH Downing believes Jerome Thomas is going nowhere for now following renewed interest in the Baggies winger from Blackburn.

Speculation over a move to Ewood Park surrounded the former Charlton player during the January transfer window.

Rovers boss Michael Appleton has now reiterated his desire to take Thomas on loan – but Downing insists he has a part to play at The Hawthorns during the final 11 games.

“Michael had the interest before deadline day so he's continuing that,” said Albion’s joint-assistant head coach.

“We have a squad of 19, 20, 21 players at the very most so from our point of view Jerome has been in and around it.

“He was out on Saturday as he was the 19th man but he was in the 18 at Liverpool and he played against Villa, so he's very much part of our plans here at this present time.

“It's a decision for Steve [Clarke] but from the point of view of our squad size Jerome is very much part of things here.

“We could be two players down here at the weekend.

“Anything can happen over the next few weekends and you can be down to the bare bones.

“It's Steve's decision but at the moment I would say Jerome is very much part of our squad having had a part to play in recent times.”