Express & Star

Zoltan Gera feels near to new deal at West Brom

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Zoltan Gera returns to Hungary with West Brom hoping to secure a new Baggies contract within the next two weeks.

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The fans' favourite – currently recovering from a ruptured cruciate ligament – will be the star attraction at this evening's friendly against Puskas FC Academy.

And the 34-year-old, who has joined the club's pre-season tour of Austria and Hungary despite being a free agent, is hopeful he can secure his Hawthorns future soon.

He said: "We're still negotiating but if the club didn't count on me probably, I wouldn't be here. The club obviously wants to see how fit I am but I hope within two weeks I'll have a contract.

"I think in three or four weeks I will be fully fit. I have done the majority of the rehab and have done some exercises with the team.

"I work with the ball now but my fitness is not 100 per cent. I have to get the football moves and the right co-ordination back, but I will do that.

"I also feel the support of the fans. They also want me back so I hope everything will be fine in time."

Gera was born in Pecs – around 200 miles from tonight's neutral venue in Sopron – and is expected to receive a hero's reception as his country's most successful footballing export of recent years.

The attacking midfielder has ruled out linking up with the national team for their next get-together in September but hopes to be available by October.

And he has praised the help of Baggies boss Steve Clarke in supporting him through a second cruciate knee ligament injury in as many seasons.

Gera said: "We speak to each other and he supports me and want me back in the team. That feels good. The physios and the doctor also take care of me well.

"Looking back over the last two years, I was injured for one and a half of them, and their care means much to me.

"I won't be with Hungary in September but I hope in October I can help the team.

"It was a pleasure that the head coach of the national team visited me in Austria and that he still thinks of me as a key player."