West Brom are hopeful midfielder Chris Brunt will be back in their Premier League plans next month.

The 31 year old Northern Ireland international has been sidelined since February when he suffered anterior ligament damage in his right knee against Crystal Palace.

And his commitment to getting back to 100 per cent fitness has been commended by the club's director of performance Dr Mark Gillett.

He said: "Chris is making good progress - he's doing well and now back in training. Obviously, we need to balance that with the fact that he has been out for the last six months.

"We will make sure he is carefully managed over the next few weeks.

"I think Chris has shown a lot of character throughout his recovery. That was a big disappointment and while the tournament was on he has worked all through the summer.

"But it does mean he is really looking forward to first team football again just as much as we are looking forward to having him available again."