ROBERTO Di Matteo has revealed Ishmael Miller has this week been given the green light to step up his recovery - and could be in line for a return to first-team action in late January.

The Baggies striker looked on course to be available at the start of the campaign after battling back from the anterior cruciate ligament damage he sustained last December.

A pre-season set-back meant he required a second operation but he started running again in October and will now gradually be reintroduced into full training.

"We've had some fantastic news about Ishmael Miller," said the Baggies boss, who today played down talk of a move for out-of-contract defender Sol Campbell.

"He's had the green light from his surgeon to increase his training workload.

"So, we will slowly, gradually slot him into our training sessions.

"He could be available for selection in late January."

Albion have also been boosted by the news Filipe Teixeira has been given the all-clear following a scan on his thigh/groin problem.

The Portuguese winger is available for Saturday's trip to Derby (ko 3pm), as are Joe Mattock (foot) and Jerome Thomas (hamstring) after returning to full training.

Long-term injury victim James Morrison (heel) is due to see a consultant today to judge whether or not he is ready to return to the gym.

"Mozza is getting better but we still can't really put a date on his return," Di Matteo added.

"He's gone to see the consultant today to see if we can start doing some work with him.

"He hasn't been able to do anything up until now."

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