Club News

Pritchard completes loan move

New boy is available for tomorrow's game against Swansea

ALBION have completed the loan signing of Tottenham man Alex Pritchard - with the midfielder available to make his debut in tomorrow night's game against Swansea City.

The 22-year-old, who can play as a winger or as an attacking midfielder, will spend the rest of this season at The Hawthorns.

The England U21 international's move was confirmed before midday, which means he will be available for selection in tomorrow's match. He will wear the No.20 shirt.

"It's been a hectic few hours - I was close to going elsewhere - but when this came about I didn't hesitate to come here," said Pritchard.

"I'm here and excited to get going.

"I spoke to Tony Pulis and coaches and was told to do my best, work hard and make an impression.

"I'm an attacking player, I like to get on the ball, make things happen and have an eye for goal. 

"I can play on the wing or centrally - it's a dream to play in the Premier League and I hope I get that chance."

Dave Kemp, joint Albion assistant head coach, is looking forward to working with the player.

"We're delighted to have him here - he's a bright young player," said Kemp.

"He's had a couple of loans at Swindon and Brentford and done very well. 

"He's 22 now and he's ready the make an impact in the Premier League.

"I saw a lot of him at Swindon and Brentford - he's a good young player and we are looking forward to integrating him."

After completing a move from his first club West Ham to White Hart Lane, Pritchard came to prominence for Tottenham's NextGen Series, scoring four goals in 2011-12 (including a hat-trick against eventual winners Inter Milan) and eight goals in 11 games in the following year's tournament.

The playmaker made six appearances during a loan spell for Peterborough in 2013, before playing 36 times (six goals) for Swindon in 2013/14.

In May 2014, he made his Tottenham first-team debut against Villa before spending the whole of last season at Brentford, where he netted 12 goals in 45 games.

His spell at Griffin Park earned him recognition, with Pritchard being named in the Championship PFA Team of the Year.