West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera hopeful of pre-season return

West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera aims to be fully fit for the start of pre-season training in early July after being out of action since November.

The Hungary international has been sidelined since suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament against Tottenham at the Hawthorns - only his third appearance of the campaign after ankle problems.

Gera returned to training towards the end of the season but intends to keep working throughout the summer break to ensure he is firing on all cylinders when the Baggies report back.

He said: "I just want to be fit for the pre-season. That's the main thing.

"I have nearly another two months and I'll be working hard at the training ground during that time.

"I just want to be fit because this last season has been a frustrating one.

"I'd just got back (from an ankle problem) and was doing okay and was then injured again.

"I'm just looking forward to playing next season and continuing what I started. If I'm fit, I'm sure I can play for the team."

Albion are continuing their search for a new manager to replace new England head coach Roy Hodgson.

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton remains a top target and was interviewed for the job 15 months ago before Hodgson was appointed.

But the Baggies have yet to make a formal approach to their rivals for permission to speak to Hughton who guided Blues to the npower Championship play-off semi-final.

PA