Ben Foster backs Zoltan Gera to return for West Brom better than ever

Ben Foster believes injured West Brom playmaker Zoltan Gera has the "right attitude and mentality" to overcome the setback of being side-lined for the rest of the season.

Hungary international Gera, 32, has been ruled out with the ruptured anterior ligament suffered during Saturday's home encounter with Tottenham.

It had been only his second start of the campaign after undergoing ankle surgery following his return to the Baggies from Fulham during the summer.

Foster has also urged Gera to take heart from his own recovery from knee setbacks.

The keeper said: "It's a big blow for Zoltan. I could see from where it was that it was going to be a bad one.

"He seemed to twist badly and I feared the worst straight away and, sadly, it looks like it is.

"I know what he is going through having suffered a cruciate ligament injury twice myself - at Stoke and then Manchester United.

"It's horrible but both times I've come back strongly and Zoltan will come back from this and be a better player for it. He's got the right attitude and mentality."

If all goes to plan, Gera should be back in contention for pre-season training in mid July.

PA