Portsmouth boss responds to keeper criticism and reveals early West Brom recall protection amid Baggies’ managerial search

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He added he didnt understand why a small minority of fans have begun questioning the giant stoppers Blues presence in recent weeks.

His 13 outings to date have resulted in five clean sheets as the Blues sit fourth in the table, with three games in hand on those teams above them.

He was Cowleys first choice when the search for Bazunus replacement began in earnest at the end of last season and the England under-21 keeper retains the belief of his manager irrespective of an outspoken few.

Sections of the Fratton faithful have questioned the Baggies youngsters distribution during his time at Fratton Park.

West Brom keeper Josh Griffiths is currently on loan at Pompey for the season

Now Cowley has contributed to the debate insisting Griffiths has an outstanding future ahead of him, while the Blues are lucky to have him on a season-long loan.

Speaking to The News, the Pompey boss said: Josh has been excellent. I think he’s done really, really well.

Hes a top goalkeeper, an England under-21 international, and if you actually look at the goalkeepers who are 21 and under and the games theyve played in senior football, I think hes the most experienced of them all.

He had the loan spell at Cheltenham, his loan at Lincoln and he is now at Portsmouth,

I think theres Carl Rushworth, who is a loan behind Josh and then theres James Trafford who has had similar loans.

But Josh has played more games than anyone and I think he’s done really well.

Its very difficult for a team to do really well when your goalkeeper is not performing.

Theres a small minority who are frustrated because he didnt take a goal-kick quick enough or something, I dont quite know, but hes going to be a top goalkeeper.

You look at his maturity, hes 21 and I have to remind myself that because he acts 31 and I say that in the most positive way!

I think he has a brilliant command of his area, his ability to come and collect crosses and take pressure of the defense is excellent, his agility, his ability to get down and makes saves for such a player of his size is incredible.

Hes working on his distribution all of the time and hes getting better and better in that area.

I know where Josh is going, I can see it a mile off hes going to be a top goalkeeper and were really pleased to have him with us.

Griffiths was considered third-choice at West Brom when Baggies boss Steve Bruce granted his Blues loan move in July.

Since then, however, Bruce has been sacked, with a replacement yet to be named.

Cowley is aware of that but does not appear concerned.

Hes here on loan but theres certain stipulations on that loan that give us protection, said the Pompey manager.

But, of course, whenever a managerial change happens, you are always aware of it.

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