England Under-21 player Mattock was given a suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty to affray in a nightclub 12 months ago. He made 24 appearances last season in helping the Baggies gain promotion to the Premier League. But former Leicester player Mattock now faces competition from summer signing Nicky Shorey in addition to Marek Cech. Ashworth said: "He's a young boy. What happened was worrying for Joe but he was 19. He's still young. "He will knuckle down and focus on a promising career. We are sure he will be fine. "We have had some interest in Joe but he was injured, and I think people were concerned about the court case, so it will be interesting to see what happens." Ashworth added: "Joe has achieved a lot in his career. He played a lot of games for Leicester, a lot for us last season. "He's got two terrific players vying for the same spot in Nicky Shorey and Cech. "If he goes to the Championship to gain more experience, then fine. But we currently only have one fit left-back and Joe will be fit before Marek so he will stay here for now."
