Last Updated: Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:51
Chris Brunt has revealed he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a broken ankle but isn't sure when he will be back in action.
The Baggies skipper hasn't played since he suffered a fractured ankle during the clash with Everton on New Year's Day, missing eight matches in that time.
West Brom have struggled in his absence, losing four of those matches although the did pick up their first win since mid-January in style in the Black Country derby last time out.
The 5-1 victory at Molineux has left Brunt wondering whether he will get his place in Roy Hodgson's team back once he is finally fully fit.
For now though the Northern Ireland international says he is just focused on getting fit again and admits it was nice to get back out on the pitch with the West Brom physio after his extended lay-off.
"I had my boots back on for the first time the other day and it was nice to get outside with the physio Richie [Rawlins]," Brunt told West Brom's website.
"I got to kick a few balls at the end of it - nothing major though.
"But it was just nice to get my boots back on.
"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."
While Brunt is almost certain to miss Saturday's game with Sunderland and next week's clash with Chelsea he might feel he has a chance of being involved against Manchester United on March 10.
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