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Luke Dowling shares West Brom’s plans for Celtic loanee Oliver Burke

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images
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West Bromwich Albion have loaned Oliver Burke to Celtic for the rest of the season after a difficult spell with the Baggies.

Oliver Burke of West Bromwich Albion during the Carabao Cup First Round match between West Bromwich Albion and Luton Town at The Hawthorns on August 14, 2018 in West Bromwich, England.

Technical director Luke Dowling has told West Brom’s official website that Celtic have no option to buy Oliver Burke at the end of his loan spell, with the winger still very much in the Baggies’ long-term plans.

Burke has endured a tough spell since heading to The Hawthorns in 2017, struggling to earn more than a couple of league starts for the club. Darren Moore is yet to include him in a starting lineup this term.

He has been given a chance to get his career back on track, with the Hoops making the Scotland international their first signing of the January transfer window.

With Burke struggling to impress at West Brom, some may have been wondering whether Celtic could have the chance to make the move permanent at any point. But Dowling insisted that the wide-man’s future remains with the Baggies.

WBA player Oliver Burke (l) challenges Marcos Alonso of Cheslea during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea at The Hawthorns on November 18, 2017 in West...

“Oli liked what Celtic had to offer and he has obviously got the opportunity to play on a great stage which should be of benefit to him,” he told the club’s official website. “I would stress that there is no ‘option to buy’ clause at the end of the loan and he will be back with us at the end of the season.

“We will be keeping a close eye on his progress and still believe that in Oli we have a talented player who we are anxious to develop and progress.”

A general view of  Celtic Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Celtic and Zenit St Petersburg at the Celtic Park on February 15, 2018 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

It could be a fantastic move for Burke. Brendan Rodgers’ side will dominate most of the games that they play, so the youngster will see plenty of the ball and has the quality to make a devastating impact in the Scottish Premiership.

And if he can help the Hoops maintain their domestic dominance, and perhaps progress in the Europa League, then he will undoubtedly return to West Brom having seen his stock increase significantly.