LEE Baker has been given a major boost in his recovery from a serious knee injury by being signed up for a further year by Albion.

The 18-year-old left-back put pen to paper on his first-ever pro contract in July - a one-year deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour.

But just a week later he suffered a training ground nightmare when he damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg.

The Redditch-born defender, who joined Albion as a nine-year-old underwent an operation six weeks ago and he can now focus fully on the long road to recovery without having to sweat about his future at the club.

"Giving Lee another year means he has the opportunity to get up and running without the worry of his pro contract running out," said manager Tony Mowbray.

"It's the sort of injury you don't want to be rushing back from and he can now focus on doing the right things to ensure he recovers properly.

"Hopefully, everything goes according to plan and next season he'll have the chance to show us what he can do."

Baker admits securing another year on his deal is a big weight off his shoulders and, after the initial disappointment of discovering he will be forced to sit out the season, he revealed things are progressing well.

"After the scan I had a call from the physio to say I'd ruptured my anterior cruciate ligament and I'd be out for nine months," he said.

"I told my dad and then I went out on my own to clear my head.

"I was absolutely gutted about it but you either sit around and feel sorry for yourself or just get on with it.

"It went through my mind the fact that I'd just got a one-year contract and before the season had even started I was ruled out for eight to nine months.

"You immediately think 'that's my year up and people can't make a decision on you when you're not playing'.

"It's a big weight off my mind that my contract has been sorted and I can just concentrate on getting fit and playing again next season.

"I had my operation seven weeks after my injury to allow the swelling to settle down.

"It's been six weeks since then and I saw the surgeon on Wednesday and he said he's happy with how it's going.

"He's told the physio to make sure he holds me back because he knows how eager I am to play again.

"I'll probably be able to train again this season but not play."

Baker has also been fortunate to have the guidance of Academy coach and former Albion ace Michael Appleton, who battled against a serious knee injury himself for years, on tap.

And club stalwart Neil Clement, who missed a large chunk of last season with a knee problem, has also been on hand to offer advice.

"Appy has been brilliant," Baker added.

"He told me I'd be in the gym with him everyday because I need to build my upper body.

"It's great working with him because I've been able to pick his brains.

"There were things going through my mind before the op and I could ask him questions.

"He's been good because he's told me how it is - that it's not going to be easy and there will be weeks when I think it's never going to end.

"He's been honest and given me plenty of advice.

"Clem's been exactly the same because he's experienced it and it is sound advice.

"You need people to be honest with you because there is no good in people telling you what you want to hear.

"You have to put the hard work in to make sure you come out the other side okay and are fit with no problems." 

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