Kemp backs Galloway to make impact

DAVE Kemp expects Brendan Galloway to make a big impact on loan at Albion.

Galloway is the Baggies’ second signing of the summer after joining on a season-long loan from Everton this week.

Albion did not have much joy with loans last season, with Serge Gnabry returning to Arsenal earlier than planned after failing to make the grade at The Hawthorns.

Alex Pritchard and Sandro also struggled after they were loaned from Tottenham and QPR respectively in January.

Kemp hopes 20-year-old Galloway, who Everton will not have the option of recalling during the season, will buck the trend.

“We’re very pleased to sign him and particularly pleased it’s for a year,” said the assistant manager.

“He’ll have the chance to make an impact here and I’m sure he will. He’s a very talented boy and we look forward to seeing him play.”

Galloway’s arrival should free up Jonny Evans to play in the centre of defence after filling in at left-back in the absence of the injured Chris Brunt.

“That’s something we’ve looked at, but he can also play at centre-half,” Kemp added.

“Left-back is a good position for him so we’ll see how it goes.”

Leighton Baines started at left-back when Everton beat the Baggies 2-1 at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

The England man’s return from injury has pushed Galloway further down the pecking order.

It’s a situation Kemp and Pulis have monitored with the player having been on Albion’s radar for some time.

“Yes, he has been,” Kemp added. “We’re very pleased to be able to bring him to the club and look forward to seeing him play.”

Galloway, who will wear the No.20 shirt, reckons playing for Albion will be a great way to gain experience.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “It’s a great club and I’m really looking forward to getting started. My aims are to play and work hard for the team and help win as many matches as I can, it’s all about winning.”