Why 'bittersweet' loan recall Harry Whitwell can play for West Brom in the FA Cup after new cup-tied rule
A recent change to FA Cup rules has allowed recalled Albion midfielder Harry Whitwell to feature for the Baggies on Sunday.
Whitwell, 20, is back at The Hawthorns having been recalled by his parent club following a stunning loan at high-flying National League outfit Forest Green Rovers, where he won acclaim as his loan side's star man.
His return is a timely one for Albion and interim James Morrison. The call was believed to have been made in part with Whitwell's availability for Sunday's tie at Championship rivals Swansea City in the FA Cup third round in mind.
Whitwell played for loan club Forest Green in their 4-3 first round exit to League One Luton.
Under previous rules he would have been cup-tied and unable to represent the Baggies but relaxed regulations, put in place last summer, have provided more loan flexibility in the competition.
The updated cup-tied rule 95 now specifies that loan players can play for two clubs in the FA Cup in a single season.
It reads: "A player is now permitted to play for TWO clubs in the competition in the same season.
"One club in the qualifying competition and another club in the competition proper, or two clubs in the competition proper."
The 'competition proper' constitutes round one onwards, after the extra preliminary round to the fourth qualifying round stages have taken place between non-league clubs across the country.
The rule was relaxed and brought into action last July and done so to provide extra freedom for loan players heading away for senior football experience, and being able to switch between loan clubs mid-season.
Also tweaked was the fact loan players can now feature for their temporary clubs in the competition by default without the permission of the parent club.
Whitwell is expected to feature in interim boss James Morrison's matchday squad in south Wales on Sunday, with central midfield options thin on the ground for the Baggies.
It remains to be seen how the rest of the season will pan out for the 20-year-old, who hails from Oxfordshire. The youngster has, as expected, proven himself as a talent capable of performing above National League level.
Meanwhile, in a video message to Rovers fans, Whitwell praised the support he received at the New Lawn and admitted a return was "bittersweet."
"You might've heard the news that I've been called back to West Brom," Whitwell said. "I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the support you've given me over the last few months.
"It's been one of the best times of my life playing in front of you guys, so a massive thank you to you and my team-mates, it's a special group. I really think we've got a chance at getting promoted this year. The talent we've got is unmatched in the league.
"A massive thank you to the gaffer, he's been brilliant with me giving me this chance in senior football. I couldn't have asked for any more.
"It's a sad moment because I've loved it here - but bittersweet. Thank you so much for all you've done for me here. What a club!"
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