Keeper eager to grasp opportunity - read and watch first video interview
LEE Camp admits he jumped at the chance to join Albion after getting the call from goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely.The 29-year-old custodian arrived on transfer deadline day and penned a rolling monthly contract until January 2014 - after Ben Foster was ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a stress fracture in his right foot, nine days earlier.
He will now battle it out with Boaz Myhill and Luke Daniels for a starting place in Steve Clarke’s XI.
And he is relishing the chance to impress at Barclays Premier League level again after a brief loan spell at Norwich last term.
“I spoke to Deano and this is a great opportunity for me,” said Camp.
“To be working in the Premier League and in a top-rate environment is difficult to turn down.
“I jumped at the chance and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s unfortunate for Ben but this is a short-term deal.”
He added: “Dean didn’t have to sell the club to me.
“As soon as I spoke to him, he asked if I was interested and I told him that of course I was.
“I don’t know Deano that well, but I know him well enough to know of his standing in football.
“Everyone speaks highly of him.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and the other goalkeepers.
“I went in under similar circumstances at Norwich last year when John Ruddy got injured.
“I enjoyed my time there - and the Premier League is the place to be.
“I’m really delighted that I’ve got another opportunity to play at this level so quickly after my time there.
“To join such a good club, in West Brom, I’m very fortunate.”
The Northern Ireland international is now eager to grab his opportunity with both hands as he looks for a more permanent contract.
“Hopefully, I will get a chance to work with Ben once he is fit,” he added.
“Boaz I know from playing against and to speaking to.
“He’s been around the Premier League for a long time now.
“It’s a chance to work with other people and see what they’re good at.
“If you can take something from their game and learn along the way, fantastic.
“There’s Luke as well who everyone speaks really highly of and I know he has had some good loan spells.
“It will be great to work with him also.
“Hopefully, I can add something to the mixer.
“I found myself in a position over the summer where I was fortunate enough to train with a couple of clubs.
“Nothing has materialised from that and I haven’t been able to get my teeth into anything I can call my own.
“Perhaps there is an opportunity for me to stake a claim.
“If I get an opportunity to play, fantastic, if not, I’m fully aware of the situation.
“All you can do is work hard and make a good impression.
“If it’s short term and I help fill a void over the next couple of months, then great.
“Hopefully, I can help along the way.
“If it turns into something more permanent then great.
“It’s a great football club, with a great fan base, and a great history."