Watson: Keeping Davies would be a test
Steve Watson admits West Brom will face “a test” to keep hold of highly-rated central defender Curtis Davies if they are relegated from the Premiership.
Davies has produced a string of impressive performances in his first season for the Baggies after a £3m (€4.3m) summer move from Luton.
The 20-year-old is already being linked with Arsenal and produced a fine display during last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Highbury.
Baggies boss Bryan Robson will be under no pressure to offload his promising young players if the midlands club return to the Championship but Watson knows it will be a difficult choice for Davies if one of the big guns comes in with a concrete offer for his services.
He said: “I’ve played a few games alongside Curtis now and he is mature beyond his years. He is a very good talker, a good leader and he has had the captain’s armband a few times which shows what the gaffer thinks of him as well.
“I’ve heard Curtis linked with Arsenal a few times and it is complimentary for him. He did himself no harm when it comes to Arsenal because he was outstanding against them on Saturday.
“Is it a worry Albion might lose some of their young players? I think that’s a worry in general. It’s very difficult for any young kid if someone of Arsenal or Manchester United’s stature comes and dangles the chance of playing for them in front of you.
“With not just Curtis, but any young player, it is going to be a test to keep hold of them. It would be terrible news to lose him.
“No-one is thinking that far ahead but I’m 100% sure Curtis ha enjoyed his first season here but, like everyone else, would want to have a second season in the Premiership.”
Albion are now favourites to drop out of the top flight after falling three points adrift of Birmingham and Portsmouth but Watson believes Davies and fellow youngster Nathan Ellington would thrive on the challenge.
He said: “”Whatever happens, this will be an experience for him which will stand him in good stead, and the same with Nathan. He has been promoted with a team and he wasn’t expecting to be in this situation the next season.
“None of us want it but we’ve got to deal with it and get the right results.”
Ellington has recovered from a foot injury and is included in the squad to face Watson’s former club Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
