GOALKEEPER Ethan Ross will remain at Worcester City until the end of the campaign after West Bromwich Albion agreed to let him stay on loan.

And manager Carl Heeley believes the 19-year-old stopper has “grown in confidence” after a “shaky” start this season at the Vanarama National League North outfit.

Ross played the final game of his previous agreement on New Year’s Day as 10-man City suffered a 2-1 defeat at Kidderminster Harriers.

But Heeley confirmed the West Brom youngster, who has made 14 appearances this season, had penned a new deal.

“We have extended Ethan’s loan until the end of the season so that paperwork will go through,” he said.

After a spell at City last season, Ross rejoined the club in the summer, hoping to nail down the number one spot.

But he failed to hit the ground running with two costly mistakes in Worcester’s opening-day 2-2 draw against Harrogate Town.

With Nick Draper also struggling in between the sticks, Heeley turned to the more experienced Ryan Boot who was key to turning around City’s fortunes.

But after Boot returned to Port Vale in November following his loan spell Ross did well and secured his first clean sheet in the Blue and Whites’ 0-0 draw with Harriers on Boxing Day.

Heeley described Ross’ first half of the campaign as a “learning curve” but feels he is getting better with every game.

“I think he started off a little shakily and was in and out of the team for the first month or so,” Heeley said.

“But since he has got in after Ryan went back to Port Vale he has done extremely well.

“I think he has grown in confidence and is gaining experience of playing at this level of football consistently.

“It has been a good learning curve for him but he has done very well and I am really pleased with him.”

Ross also spoke of his delight at extending his deal on social media following City’s loss against rivals Harriers at Aggborough.

Junior English gave Worcester the lead on 23 minutes but Harriers hit back in the second half with a James McQuilkin strike and an own goal from Sam Oji.

City also finished the match with 10 men after Lee Hughes saw red against his former club.

“I'm gutted with the result. We were unlucky,” Ross said.

“But I'm pleased to have re-signed until the end of the season.”