Brunt thrilled to be nearing Baggies return

It’s been a tough year for Chris Brunt, who saw his Euro 2016 hopes go up in smoke with a torn ACL back in February.

But the Northern Ireland winger made his return to playing action this week for West Brom reserves, and is nearing a return to first-team action.

Brunt featured in a 5-2 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League 2, playing an hour before he was removed.

And although the 31-year-old admits he is not yet up to speed, he was delighted to have the opportunity to get back out on the pitch.

(Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

He said: “I’ve been training for the last couple of weeks but it’s never the same until you get on the pitch.

“I felt a bit rusty at first but got better as the game went on and it was nice to get 60 minutes. It’s a step in the right direction.

“Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I can get some more game time and get back into the swing of things.”

Brunt featured alongside a host of promising Baggies youngsters, including 19-year-old Tahvon Campbell, who scored twice. And Brunt believes the future is bright at the Hawthorns.

“The youngsters here have fantastic ability and it will benefit them to be in and around the first team,” he added.

“They’ve all shown great attitude in pre-season and hopefully they’ll have big futures.”