Brunt’s character shining through at West Brom

Northern Ireland and its fans lit up this summer’s European Championships in France, as the underdogs’ spirit earned them the Medal of the City of Paris.

But one man who had to watch the circus from the treatment table was West Brom’s Chris Brunt.

The versatile 31-year-old was ruled out of the tournament thanks to a right anterior knee ligament injury, suffered in the 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in late February.

However, Albion’s medical staff have all been hugely impressed at the way in which Brunt swallowed his disappointment to knuckle down to his rehab, and he is expected to be forcing his way back into first-team reckoning next month.

“Chris is making good progress – he’s doing well and now back in training,” said Dr Mark Gillett, West Brom’s director of performance.

“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.”