Albion hope Scott Allan’s experience at Portsmouth will earn him a place in Roy Hodgson’s first-team plans next season.

The 20-year-old midfielder joined Albion for a cut-price fee from Dundee United in the January transfer window.

Allan appeared only eight times for the Tannadice club during the opening half of the season due to his contractual situation with them.

He moved to the south coast at the end of February to get game-time in a competitive environment.

Although Portsmouth have been relegated, Allan’s input for Michael Appleton’s side has been impressive.

He will feature in their final game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday before returning to Albion.

Hawthorns No.2 Keith Downing hopes Allan’s time at Fratton Park will edge him nearer towards the Baggies first team next season.

“We wanted to keep Scott there to help Michael Appleton out as much as possible,” said Downing.

“Now we’ve had the sad news of Portsmouth going down last weekend there was consideration for him to come back this week but the fact is Michael still needs him to complete the one more game and in terms of injuries from our point of view there is no emergency to bring Scotty back.

“It will fulfil the last fixture for Michael and it’s been a great help for Scott.

“You come down to a different environment after playing in Scottish football and now getting a taste of the Championship will hold him in good stead for next year.

“As for next season, we will cross that when it comes but at the start of pre-season he will be involved in the plans and we’ll see how he does and how the summer goes for him.”