'I'd be very comfortable' - claim made about retained West Brom keeper Max O'Leary

Former Albion midfielder Andy Johnson would feel “very comfortable” with retained goalkeeper Max O’Leary as Baggies No.1 next season.

O’Leary, 29, this week confirmed his future at The Hawthorns by agreeing a new three-year contract.

He was recruited by the Baggies in late January as the club sought an improvement between the sticks and caught the eye with a series of clean sheets in the run to Championship survival under James Morrison.

Fans’ favourite Johnson, now a long-term club commentator, is behind the move to retain the “influential” shot-stopper and would have no qualms with his as first choice next term.

“I always think it's great when you can keep the goalkeeper that was so influential for us staying up,” Johnson told the Express & Star.

“He was fantastic. He had that little injury in the middle of his time here, but he thoroughly deserves his new contract.

“I wish him well. Will he be the number one? Why would you sign a contract for three years if you're not going to be number one?

“He's 29, he's in his prime and we've seen what he can do. I'd be very comfortable with him as number one at our football club.”

Josh Griffiths, 24, started last season as No.1 under Ryan Mason but the axed head coach chopped and changed as he looked for improved results.

Joe Wildsmith has since been released and Griffiths, who has one year left on his deal, is reportedly catching the attention of league rivals Stoke.

Albion have struggled for consistency between the sticks since Alex Palmer left for Ipswich in January 2025, but O’Leary helped settle things down after his arrival.

“When Alex Palmer left the panic button got pressed a little bit,” Johnson added. “We had Josh Griffiths and (Joe) Wildsmith both fighting for a position.

“But Max came in and he kept a load of clean sheets. He really was inspirational in terms of that.”