Youth team defender Kacper Lopata has today left Albion to join Polish second tier club Zaglebie Sosnowiec on loan until June.

The 18-year-old, who was born in Poland before moving to Bristol when he was nine years old, joined Albion in November 2018 from Bristol City.

Lopata made 11 appearances for the under-18s in his first season with the club, appearing twice in the run to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. He has also represented Poland at under-18 level.

After spending pre-season with the under-23s, Kacper joined Isthmian League Whitehawk in August and scored on his debut. He made 19 appearances for the Hawks.

Academy Manager John Morling said: “This is the next stage in Kacper’s development and a good opportunity for him.

“He is going to Poland to play regular first-team football at a good level. We will be monitoring his progress and wish him all the best.”