West Brom’s director of performance Mark Gillett has revealed that utility man Chris Brunt is well on the road to recovery and nearing a return to first-team action.

The Northern Ireland international has been on the sidelines for the last six months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Brunt was subsequently ruled out of representing Northern Ireland at Euro 2016 but looks set for some positive news as he looks to provide a boost for club boss Tony Pulis.

The former Sheffield Wednesday man became a key figure after Pulis took over and was moulded into a left-back as the Baggies struggled for options.

Pulis was active in the summer transfer market as he looked to provide some cover and he drafted in Everton’s Brendan Galloway on a loan-deal.

However, the 31-year-old looks set to restrict Galloway’s game-time as Gillett confirmed he is on the verge of stepping out for West Brom in the Premier League.

Gillett admitted that they still have to be patient with Brunt but he expects he will be back in the mix sooner rather than later.

“Chris is making good progress – he’s doing well and now back in training,” Gillett said.

“Obviously, 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.”

Albion, who are priced at 3.75 to be relegated, have made a steady start to the 2016-17 campaign, picking up four points from their first three league games, while they are set to lock horns with Bournemouth on Saturday.