Premier League debut on the cards for young Northern Ireland star after loan put on hold

Callum Marshall may stay at West Ham

Callum Marshall has impressed in Premier League 2

A Championship loan move for Callum Marshall has been put on hold as West Ham United manager David Moyes ponders handing the Northern Ireland international a Premiership debut.

Marshall is understood to be close to agreeing a new and extended contract with the Hammers — as is his fellow Ulsterman Patrick Kelly — and a January loan move was expected to follow.

West Bromwich Albion, who currently sit fifth in the Championship and are well on course to make the Play-Offs, have emerged as surprise contenders to take Marshall for the remainder of the season, but a training ground injury to Michael Antonio has delayed a move that was thought to be imminent.

If Antonio is ruled out for any longer than a few weeks and West Ham are unable to add to their striking department during the transfer window then they could turn to Marshall, who has scored an impressing 16 goals in just 10 games in Premier League 2 this season.

West Brom joined what is an ever-growing list of clubs who are interested in adding Marshall on loan.

Playing in the Championship would boost Marshall’s chances of becoming a regular starter for Northern Ireland — he would automatically become the striker playing at the highest level available to Michael O’Neill — and give him the chance to show West Ham that he is ready to press for a first-team place.

Leyton Orient are now keen after the 19-year-old impressed in a behind closed doors friendly against them during the week, with Bristol Rovers, Doncaster Rovers, Oxford United, Stevenage, Swansea City and Swindon Town all also possible destinations.

A number of clubs are expected to send scouts to monitor Marshall when West