Gera gunning for go-ahead

The West Bromwich Albion boss could be boosted by the return of the Hungarian midfielder as he makes a speedy recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

Initial reports had suggested that 32-year-old Gera would be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after rupturing the anterior ligament in his left knee during Albion's 2-1 victory over Bolton at The Hawthorns in November.

However Gera, who followed boss Hodgson out of Craven Cottage in switching Fulham for Albion in the summer, has told his manager he could return before the end of the season.

Determined

"He is determined to be back before the end of the season and he keeps telling me 'it won't be long now'," Hodgson told the club's official website.

"Obviously the doctors will be a bit more cautious and will be pouring cold water on that enthusiasm, but it's very nice when you've got such enthusiastic players."

As Gera prepares to return, fellow midfielder Chris Brunt is also expected to be fit again ahead of the new season following a two-month injury lay-off.

"When we go into next season we will have lost Brunt for two months of this season and Zoltan for the best part of it so we will have two fantastic new signings going into next season," he added.