We have completed the signing of West Bromwich Albion’s Quevin Castro on loan until 8 January.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder began his career on the English non-league circuit before joining Ipswich’s academy and earning trials with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
He signed a two-year deal with the Baggies last summer and established himself as a regular in WBA’s development squad, playing 90 minutes against Arsenal in the EFL Cup and coming off the bench in their Sky Bet Championship matches against Swansea and Reading.
This season Castro has spent time on loan in League One with Burton Albion and our head coach Luke Williams believes he’s someone who fits our style of play while also offering something new to the squad.
“From what we’ve seen, Quev has all the tools to do what we ask our attacking players to do without the ball,” said Williams.
“He’s rangy and athletic, which means he’s got the tools to step on to people very quickly and win the ball back.
“We feel he’s a bit different to our other options – he has a different physical stance and offers some real imagination in the final third.
“But he's not going to walk into this team – far from it. We have the likes of Jim O’Brien and Sam Austin who have been contributing brilliantly in that advanced midfield positon, and they’re going to provide very strong competition as well.”
Castro shares Portuguese heritage with another attacking midfielder Ruben Rodrigues, who has contributed immensely to what has been an all-action start to the season from our attack-minded players in terms of their work out of possession.
And Williams believes Rodrigues can be a positive influence on his compatriot.
“Ruben is someone who in many teams would have limited defensive responsibility, but that’s not the case here,” said the head coach.
“He and our other attacking players understand that and apply themselves in an incredible way.
“When Quev has that sort of example to follow, it should be easier for him to settle into the way we play and work.
“We’re seeing the whole team working so hard for each other and when Quev gets his chance he will need to be in the correct position defensively and always be prepared to put his body on the line.
“But he’ll also have moments to do the bit that’s exciting and unique to him and we’re confident the fans will really enjoy what they see.
“We hope to provide an environment in which Quev can showcase his talent at a level which should allow him to shine with his qualities and athleticism, despite his relative inexperience of senior football.
“We’re going to coach him, and the players will be really helpful in teaching him with the way they work and things they say day in, day out.”
Castro, who takes the number 10 shirt, added: “It’s been a great welcome from the lads and the gaffer and I feel ready to go.
“At this stage of my career it’s all about getting more minutes in men’s football.
“Working hard for the team out of possession is a big part of my game and if I can get on the same page as some of the other attacking players in the team, we’ll have a lot of fun.
“It’s always a great feeling when the fans respond to a trick or piece of skill, but first and foremost I want to be part of the team and earn my team-mates’ respect before showing that side of my game.
“I can see that this team will help me get a lot of opportunities in the final third – whether that’s to create or score – and that’s a real positive about coming here.
“Under the gaffer I can already tell I’m going to learn a lot. He’s very detailed in terms of where he wants me to be in and out of possession and, as a young lad, I think that’s what I need.
“I’m very excited to kick on and show how hard I’m willing to work for the club.”
