Captain nears return

Last updated : 20 February 2012 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion skipper Chris Brunt has set his sights on a first team recall as he nears a return to full training.

The Northern Ireland international is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an ankle injury and hopes to return to full training towards the end of this week.

But Brunt realises faces competition to win back his place in Albion’s starting XI – especially after watching his teammate dismantle Wolves 5-1 at Molineux.

"Everything has gone well so far,” said the skipper.

"I need to do a bit of fitness work because I haven't done much until the last ten days or so.

"I probably need to do a bit more before I can get back into training and then I'll need a bit of time training before I'm ready for a game.

"The medical and sports science team have been very pleased with the way I've progressed and hopefully I'm a bit ahead of schedule - and if all goes well I might have a chance of training towards the end of this week.”

He added: The time has gone quite quickly and the bonus is I haven't missed a lot of league games," the Northern Ireland international added.

"If we keep playing like we did against Wolves I'll have a job on my hands getting back in the team.

"It was such a good performance by everyone it would be hard to change anyone in the team.

"That's the way it should be at a football club.

"There should be competition for places.

"We don't have many injuries, we have good competition for places, and that means everyone has got to be on their toes.

"I definitely don't expect to walk straight back in - no way!

"I'll need to get a few weeks training and then hopefully I can prove through training, and whatever game time I do get, I'm ready to go back in.

"I'm just looking forward to being involved in games again."

Would you recall Brunt to the starting XI? Have your say here at WBA-MAD's fans' forum Baggies Banter