Mowbray pleased to have Gianni back

Last updated : 19 August 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Gianni Zuiverloon will return to training with the Baggies on Thursday with Tony Mowbray delighted he's back. The £3.25 million summer signing reached the quarter-finals at the Olympics with Holland before being knocked out in extra time to Argentina and could now be in contention ahead of Saturday's game against Everton (KO 3pm).

"I'm glad for myself and the team that Gianni is on his way back and will be back in training on Thursday," Mowbray said.

"It's a shame for the boy.

"It would have been a great occasion for him to play in the semi-final of the Olympics against Brazil.

"I watched him walk out onto the pitch alongside Lionel Messi and Juan Roman Riquelme - full Argentina internationals and great, great players.

"It was quite special and great for him.

"To be fair, the Dutch should have won it in the last couple of minutes of the game.

"They missed a great chance, it went to extra time and they ultimately paid the price.

"We'll have a look at Gianni when he comes back and he could be in contention for Saturday."

Although missing the defeat against Arsenal and all of Albion's pre-season fixtures and training Mowbray is confident that Zuiverloon's fitness levels shouldn't be a problem.

"He's played four games over there so his fitness levels shouldn't be in question.

"We'll see how he is after the journey and I'll chat with him when he returns.

"The reason he is here is because we identified he is a very good player.

"We are looking forward to getting him back into the squad and into contention for a place in the team."