Club News

Gera: It's great to be back

Fit-again fan-favourite sets sights on Premier League opener against Liverpool

ZOLTAN Gera has set his sights on the Barclays Premier League opener against Liverpool after playing his first game in eight months at Copenhagen.

The Hungary star came through his 19-minute workout in the 3-0 victory at Parken with flying colours, having previously been sidelined since last November with a knee injury.

He could get further action when Albion play their first public friendly on English soil tomorrow at Championship outfit Barnsley (ko 3pm).

Gera is now hoping to return to full fitness as soon as possible and impress new head coach Steve Clarke ahead of the Liverpool visit in just over three weeks’ time.

“I am very happy to be back,” beamed the former Fulham ace.

“Wednesday was a first step, to get some minutes in a proper game.

“I felt good so I am looking forward to the next few weeks and getting 100 per cent fit, more game time and really enjoying it.

“My knee is 100 per cent, otherwise I wouldn’t play with it.

“Now I just need match sharpness and to get back into proper games.

“It is a great feeling to play again after so many long months but Wednesday was just a first step and hopefully I can continue.

“I didn’t feel I had been out for that long but I was a bit nervous and excited to get on and everything was fine.

“Hopefully, I will get no reaction with the knee and I can get more game-time.
 
“I just want to get fitter and fitter and then it will be up to the head coach to decide whether I’m ready when the Liverpool games comes around.

“We’ve got a very strong squad, with lots of good players, and it’s very difficult to get in the team – but I am enjoying the challenge.”
 
Gera has given the first three weeks of Clarke’s regime a big thumbs up.

“His training sessions are very good,” he added.

“We have trained hard.

“It’s not that different to what we did with Roy, but there are a few things that he has changed and he’s had a very good start.”