James Morrison says Albion are working to secure Harry Whitwell’s future, with the 20-year-old out of contract at the end of the season. The club want to finalise a new deal while Whitwell pushes for a start at Newcastle in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
James Morrison on Albion
Morrison said: "we are working to secure Harry Whitwell’s future", adding that "the club are keen to finalise a new deal" and that "work is ongoing behind the scenes". Those remarks place the contract discussion inside the season itself, not after it.
Whitwell has earned the attention. He has been one of the standouts in pre-season and the opening weeks, then scored his first Albion goal against Rotherham in the EFL Cup before netting his first Championship goal against Burnley on Sunday.
Harry Whitwell’s rise
The 20-year-old spent the first half of last season on loan at Forest Green Rovers in the National League, then returned to identify the work needed over the summer. That spell is viewed as part of the build-up to the form he has shown since.
Morrison believes Whitwell’s chance is deserved through hard work and said his attributes suit the current shape. He also said confidence is flowing, while urging him to keep his feet on the ground.
Newcastle in the EFL Cup
Whitwell is pushing for a start at Newcastle in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, with Albion assessing an ankle problem for Mikey Johnston. Johnston will miss that tie and Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough, which leaves Albion with one attacking option growing in importance and another unavailable for two matches.
The contract talks now sit alongside selection decisions. Albion want Whitwell tied down while his goals are still fresh and his place in the side is still being earned.
