“MAN mountain” Ted Cann is poised to start in Worcester City’s Midland League Premier Division opener at Newark Flowserve today (3pm).

The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper has joined City on a short-term loan and will fill the void left by first-choice stopper Dan Jezeph who is banned for the first three matches of the season.

Manager Ashley Vincent said 18-year-old Cann was a “big lad” and backed him to deliver for Worcester.

“We are grateful to West Brom,” Vincent said.

“We have been speaking to them for the past four weeks.

“He has had commitments with West Brom but we always knew there was a good chance that Ted would come in.

“He is a bit of a man mountain for his young age. People might think keepers need to be at a certain age or level of experience.

“But he is at a top club. He is a big lad, is level-headed and is not short of ability.

“We want to integrate him into the group and make him one of our own for however long he is here.”

Cann began his youth career at Liverpool before joining West Brom in 2017 and has been a regular for the Championship club’s under 18s.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for him,” Vincent said.

“He will play with the weight off his shoulders.

“The reason why we go with younger lads is because they are energetic and that’s what he is.

“He might be short of experience in men’s football but he works day in, day out with top professionals so he knows his job better than most.

“It’s a chance for him to come in, learn and show everyone how good he really is.”

City have previously signed keepers Adam Pryzbek and Ethan Ross on loan from the Baggies.

“We have a relationship where West Brom trust us to look after them properly and give them the exposure that they need,” Vincent added.