Albion keeper Steele leaves

Michal Danek was today backed as a future Albion star as fellow goalkeeper Luke Steele finally cut his ties with the Baggies.

Fellow Czech star Roman Bednar, who has renewed his old friendship with 24-year-old Danek since the pair linked up at The Hawthorns, believes the on-loan Viktoria Plzen man can match the form of Scotland international Craig Gordon.

Bednar and £9m Sunderland star Gordon were team mates at Hearts and the striker sees similarities between the two keepers.

"I was with Michael in the under-20s World Cup so I've known him a long time and I've always thought he was an amazing keeper," said Bednar.

"I think he could play in the Premier League. I played with Craig Gordon (Sunderland keeper) for two years at Hearts. He and Michael are similar ages and he's tall - I think he could be anything he wanted.

"If he got his chance, he would take it.

"Michael's not as good as Craig Gordon yet but I think he's getting there and could be a very good keeper.

"He's played reserve games and got used to England. He could be a fantastic goalkeeper. "

Danek's loan from Plzen is expected to be extended under the terms of the move that brought him to England in January.

But Steele has now ended his association with the Baggies by signing a one-year deal at Barnsley.

The former Manchester United trainee spent the end of last season on loan.