Fans' favourite returns for youngsters
ZOLTAN Gera is set to make his long-awaited comeback in this evening’s Barclays U21 Premier League clash at Arsenal (ko 7pm) – ending a nine-month lay-off after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at QPR in January.
The Hungary international signed a new one-year contract at The Hawthorns last month and hopes to return to first-team action when the Baggies host the Gunners in the Capital One Cup third round in just under a fortnight.
And head coach Steve Clarke admits he can't wait to see Gera wearing the blue-and-white stripes once again.
"Zoltan has been training with the group for two or three weeks and he's been made available to travel with the Under-21s," said Clarke.
"It should be a good game and a good stadium for him to play in.
"I would imagine Zoltan will only play 45 minutes.
"It’ll just be nice to see him back on the pitch and playing competitive football."
Professional development coach, David Oldfield, has named a 16-man squad for the trip to the Emirates Stadium - with Gera named as an overage player.
ALBION (from): Atkinson, Birch, Ferrier, Francis, Garmston, Gayle, Gera, Hayes, A Jones, C Jones, S Nabi, O’Neil, O’Sullivan, Palmer (gk), Roofe, Rose (gk).