Albion boss Chris Hughton has hailed Bury as a “good fit” for Christian Walton to enjoy a fruitful loan spell.

The England under-20s goalkeeper completed a season-long loan switch to the League One newcomers yesterday and could make his competitive debut in their opening fixture at Doncaster Rovers on August 8.

A handful of third tier clubs were keen to borrow Walton. The 19-year-old has been loaned out to gain more experience following the signing of Finland international Niki Maenpaa as competition for current No.1 David Stockdale.

Hughton said: “We want Christian to play regular first team football as soon as possible and Bury will give him that opportunity.

“Bury are a club who have a similar playing philosophy to us and in David Flitcroft they have an excellent manager who will be good for Christian.

“They have just moved into Manchester City’s old training facility in Carrington and, having won promotion last season, are a club with ambitions to continue their progress.

“They’re a good fit for Christian, he will get the opportunity to play regularly at a good level and I am confident this loan move will benefit all three parties.”

Flitcroft has a connection with Albion goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts. The Bury chief borrowed Nick Pope in January from Charlton, when Roberts held the same role with the South London club.

Walton faces competition with the Shakers from regular No.2 Rob Lainton, who has signed a one-year contract extension. Flitcroft signed Shwan Jalal from Bournemouth last summer after Brian Jensen moved to Crawley but that move did not work out and now he has turned to Walton, with Pope fighting for a first team spot at Charlton.

Flitcroft said: “He is someone we have been monitoring and tracking for a long time.

“The references we have had have been from outstanding well respected football people who have only been complimentary in the goalkeeping skills Christian possesses.”