Chris Wood not for sale at Albion

Albion have assured fans World Cup hero Chris Wood is in the same 'not for sale' bracket as star midfielder Graham Dorrans.

The young New Zealander has been given extra time off to recover from his exertions, as his nation enjoyed their greatest ever World Cup returning unbeaten from their South African adventure.

Wood, already a popular figure among Albion fans and a striker for whom there are high hopes, nearly crowned the experience with a winning goal against Italy.

But the teenager will rejoin Albion after the club return from the pre-season tour to Holland to find he is ring-fenced for the future - although he could be loaned out for more first team experience.

Sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth said: "It was fantastic to see Chris. He was so close to scoring too. For an 18-year-old it's been brilliant to see him involved so much in the three games.

"It was a fabulous experience for him playing in a World Cup as an 18-year-old. New Zealand did well, they exceeded everyone's expectations, finished above Italy and he made an impact.

"I watched 'Woodsy' carefully because I've known him since he was a 15-year-old.

"Consequently I think there will be a lot of interest in him next season if he's not in and around our first-team squad. He's done himself a lot of favours but he's not for sale - any deal would only be on loan.

"It's important he got on the pitch. If you're only part of the 23 but don't get on then it's a good experience, but he was actually used as a substitute to make an impact."