A TALENTED goalkeeper from Herefordshire is set to continue his transition into professional football on a season-long loan at Cheltenham Town.

Josh Griffiths has progressed through the West Bromwich Albion youth academy and moved through the ranks before signing professional at 18.

His performances also led to be included in the under-18 England squad

Last season Griffiths was involved in the West Brom first team squad and has now gone on loan to Cheltenham Town for the season.

Griffiths was spotted playing at Fownhope Summer Tournament when he was nine-years-old by local goalkeeping coach and scout Allan Hawkins.

He then joined Hawkins for private coaching and was taken for trials at West Brom leading to him being signed as a young academy player and progressing through the ranks.

"Josh is the latest local goalkeeper who has come through my goalkeeping academy coaching scheme which I run from Hereford to progress at profession level," said Hawkins.

"Former student Harry Burgoyne has enjoyed first team experience with Wolverhampton Wanderers and England. Harry has recently joined Shrewsbury Town as their first choice keeper.

"Ronnie Hollingshead is another of my students who came through my goalkeeper academy. Ronnie is a former Westfields FC youngster.

"I put Ronnie into Albion a few years ago and he is now on a scholarship with a view to turning professional, as well as having gained international honours with Wales.

"Looking to the future, West Brom have high hopes for both boys as potential first team players.

"As far as my conveyor belt of local keepers is concerned, we have four boys and two girls out on trial, three are trailing at my current club Aston Villa, so the future looks bright for future stars."