Slaven Bilic says he will select Nathan Ferguson for West Brom if possible, despite concerns around his fitness that have arisen following the collapse of his deadline day move to Crystal Palace.

Ferguson had reportedly been all set to complete a move to Selhurst Park on the final day of the January transfer window, before the emergence of a knee problem prompted Palace to attempt to renegotiate the deal for the 19-year-old, something they were unable to do in time, meaning the defender remains a West Brom player for the time being.

It is thought that Palace have advised that Ferguson undergo immediate surgery on the problem, although it appears Bilic has yet to decide on the course of action to take with regards to the teenager.

Speaking about Ferguson after his side's 2-0 win over Luton Town on Saturday afternoon - a game in which the defender was absent from the matchday squad - the West Brom boss was quoted by the Birmingham Mail as saying: "We need every player.

"Nathan is a player I like, I gave him his chance and I admire his quality. If he is fit, it will be great to have him, of course. I don't know the stage of his injury and all that.

"But if he is staying and if he is fit, then he is a member of our squad."

Ferguson only burst onto the scene at West Brom at the start of this season, making his debut in their opening day win over Nottingham Forest.

He has since gone on to make 21 appearances in total for the Baggies, and is now said to be waiting to see whether or not the club win promotion this season before deciding whether or not to sign a new contract at The Hawthorns, with his current deal set to expire at the end of this season.

The Verdict

This is an interesting one.

Ferguson has been hugely impressive for West Brom when he has been on the pitch this season, so you can understand why Bilic will want to use him if possible.

However, that is something they may also need to be careful with, since they will not want to risk causing any significant damage that could keep him out for an extended length of time, or have a lasting effect on his career.

Indeed, if Ferguson can now help the Baggies to promotion, and that is enough to convince him to sign a new contract with the club, then that injury that led to the breakdown of his move to West Brom, could prove to be a blessing in disguise for West Brom.