Albion skipper aiming to make the kick-off

Albion captain Chris Brunt joined up with Northern Ireland today on a mission to prove his fitness for Saturday's Premier League kick-off.

The Baggies skipper made his first appearance of a miserable pre-season in Friday night's 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest after being sidelined by a calf injury.

And the winger hopes that more action in Wednesday's Belfast friendly against Finland can push him into the frame for a place against Liverpool on Saturday.

"It was difficult to tell how far behind I was on Friday but I will probably know more on Wednesday night when I play for Northern Ireland," said Brunt, who played for 21 minutes as a substitute at the City Ground as Albion ended their pre-season programme with a win.

"I can hopefully get a good week's training under my belt, get another few minutes in the international and take it from there."

Meanwhile, Albion boss Steve Clarke has allowed Simon Cox to join Forest having boosted his striking options with the signing of Sweden international Markus Rosenberg.

Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi revealed the transfer had been completed. Coxsaid on Twitter: "Think I'm all done now. Signed now. Can't wait to get started."