Brunt believes he returned stronger after serious knee injury

It is a year to the day that Chris Brunt suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out of the Northern Ireland squad in Euro 2016.

Although Brunt’s injury forced him to miss out on what would have been his first major tournament with his country, the Baggies’ midfielder believes that the injury has helped him to return to the game stronger.

Albion currently lie eighth in the Premier League, just four points behind Everton, and will be eyeing a place in Europe after an impressive run of form has seen them unbeaten in their last five league games.

And Brunt will be hoping his side can continue that form when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday, a year after a career-threatening injury became a blessing for the Northern Irishman.

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“Things have gone well since I came back from injury,” Brunt said.

“Obviously I had to work hard over the summer to get back in.

“Missing the (Euro 2016) tournament in the summer was obviously gutting, but in hindsight maybe it wasn’t a bad thing.

“It’s given me a chance physically to do stuff in the gym and work hard and possibly get a bit stronger.

“It gave me the first break I’ve had in probably 12 years of playing first team football. Maybe it was my body telling me I needed a bit of a break.”