Giles Barnes has signed an 18-month deal with the club after proving his fitness to Roberto Di Matteo. The injury-prone midfielder has been training with the Baggies since December after his release from Derby County in the summer.
The midfielder has not played competitive football since last January as a number of injuries have halted his progress. Barnes, once touted as a future England international, has suffered a broken foot, major cruciate knee damage and a ruptured Achilles heel in succession but the Baggies boss feels the 21-year-old has done enough to earn a contract at The Hawthorns.
“Giles has had his injury problems over the past couple of seasons but he has undoubted ability,” said the Italian.
"He is making good progress in his recovery from his Achilles problem and we're giving him all the support he needs.
"We've seen enough encouraging signs to offer him this deal, which has been structured to suit all parties.
"There is no question that if Giles can get his career back on track, we'll have a very talented player on our hands."
The contract, believed to be on a pay-as-you-play basis, also includes an additional year in the club’s favour.
