Graham Potter wants to see more research into the long-term medical effects of heading a football.

Albion’s head coach says he has not adapted training methods to protect players against possibly suffering from dementia in the future.

But he added that changes could be made, especially for younger players.

Potter said: “It is such an early stage of research in that area, in terms of professional football.

“I think there is some evidence there. From my experience of dementia, there are so many unknowns with it that the more research we do, the more we look into it, the more support that gets, the better.

“We could be in a situation in 50 years’ time where we look back and think, ‘What were we doing that for?’. The quicker we get those findings, the quicker we do that work, the better.

READ MORE: Is this the best Albion have played under Potter?

“I am not at the stage where we have adapted anything. Certainly for younger players it is something we need to consider.

“I am just hoping that the research and the support is there to get the answers that we would all like for an incredibly devastating disease.”

Potter did not agree with a suggestion that heading was not necessary in training sessions.

The former defender said: “I’m sure if you ask centre-backs they might want to ask about timings.

“If you play against a team that play long ball, defending those situations, players want to familiarise themselves with that.

“If you practise set plays, you might want to work on your timing and heading the ball. That can happen.

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a need for it at all. If you are you going to practise, there is an argument that there is going to be a little bit but not excessive.”