West Brom utility player Steven Reid is poised to return to training ahead of schedule next week with his knee injury not as serious as first feared.

Albion were anticipating Reid being sidelined for six weeks with the setback suffered against Manchester United at the Hawthorns on New Year’s Day.

But the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made quicker-than-expected progress with his rehabilitation programme.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “We expect Reid to be back training next week, hopefully.

“Things are quite positive with him. The injury wasn’t as bad as anticipated and he has recovered really well. We’ll have to see how he gets on on a daily basis.”