Albion goalkeeper Christian Walton has gone out on loan for a FOURTH time - to League One promotion contenders Southend United.

The England under-21s prospect has joined the Shrimpers for an initial seven-day period to save them from a crisis.

Walton is set for his debut today at home to Oldham, as Southend have no fit professional keepers. They can apply to the Football League to extend his loan in further seven-day slots if the situation continues.

Walton has just returned from international duty with Albion team-mate Solly March.

He was recalled in January from a season-long loan with League Two Luton Town when David Stockdale's understudy Niki Maenpaa damaged a shoulder.

The Finn is now fit-again, enabling Albion to send Walton back out to gain more first team experience.

The 21-year-old had loan spells last season with Bury and home town club Plymouth Argyle.

 

Walton remains eligible for Albion. FIFA's rule allowing registration with three teams but eligibility to play for only two in a single season is exempt for domestic emergency loans involving goalkeepers.

Southend are currently sixth in the League One table, three points clear of Millwall.