By Neil Ravenscroft
December 16 2004

There was some worrying news today that West Bromwich Albion may have recalled on loan Irish International goalkeeper Joe Murphy, but the threat has receeded. Meanwhile, there is news on our injury front. The official site is reporting that Brian Robson will not now be recalling Joe Murphy from his loan spell as cover for number two Tomasz Kuszczak. We can only presume that the injury to Russell Hoult has cleared up. However, Hoult is rumoured to have a serious back problem which could reoccur.
Murphy has entered the phase of his loan spell which means that Albion can withdraw him at 24 hours notice, which is a little worrying and, presumably, Merson will have someone in mind in case of emergencies, especially if Hoult's problem is chronic.

On the injury front, Ian Roper will be out for around four weeks, according to the official site. Matty Fryatt is responding a little better to treatment and may even be fit for the Christmas period, but that is doubtful. Neil Emblen's neck problem has cleared up and Kris Taylor is fit again, so his move to Burton Albion may be back on.