Albion captain Curtis Davies is in line for a recall against Ipswich next Saturday after confirming he has successfully negotiated his first full training session since breaking a metatarsal in his left foot. The 21-year-old has been sidelined since sustaining the injury against Sunderland on August 28 but completed a double session under the auspices of Nigel Pearson at Albion's A34 training base on Friday. It is a timely boost for Albion who have Paul McShane (suspended), Thomas Gaardsoe and Neil Clement (injured) all unavailable for the trip to Portman Road. Despite the fact Davies hasn't played a competitive fixture for six weeks, he is likely to be pushed back into action as Albion are stretched to the limit defensively. The England Under 21 international and PMA Management Agency player is adamant he will be ready to return to the fold against Ipswich, as he told givemefootball's Ian Clarkson.
Q:WAS THAT YOUR FIRST TRAINING SESSION LAST FRIDAY?
A:I have had a couple of mini-sessions with the injured lads, but that was my first proper session with the squad since breaking my metatarsal. It all went well although it was hard double session so it was a case of 'welcome back'. It has been a very frustrating time for me as I have never been injured as a professional before and it felt wierd sitting on the sidelines. I had always pencilled in Ipswich as a possible comeback and I have managed to keep my fitness going so, if selected, I am available to play against Ipswich.
Q:WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN BRYAN ROBSON LEFT AS MANAGER?
A:We were all a bit shocked when Bryan was sacked and I got on well with him as he put his neck on the line for me, He brought me for £3m when other clubs were only thinking about it, played me in every game and made me captain. I owe him a lot. I wasn't really with the squad when he went, as I was in the gymnasium undertaking bike work and such like, so I probably didn't get the same impact as the lads who were fit.
Q:HOW HAVE THE PLAYERS REACTED?
A:All you can do as players is get on with it and with Nigel in charge it is still very similar as he took a lot of the training. What this does do though is maybe give an opportunity to some of the players who thought they were out of the picture. The same rules apply for me as well and a new manager might not like me as a player. All managers like different styles and he will have fresh ideas so I will need to play out of my skin to impress him.
Q:IS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION STILL THE AIM BEARING IN MIND YOU ARE SEVENTH IN THE TABLE?
A:When the gaffer left we were only two points off the play-off zone and now we are only two points behind Birmingham, who are second. I think we have realised that anyone can beat anyone at this level but we are good enough to be promoted with the squad we have. I just think we need to get that elusive first away win to set us on our way.
Q:WHAT'S THIS BET WITH NATHAN ELLINGTON ALL ABOUT REGARDING YOUR HAIR?
A:Nathan and I were talking about growing our hair into an Afro for a joke and I insisted I would let mine grow higher than his. We have had a gentleman's bet and the person who cuts their hair first will have to serve dinner to the others on away trips. So, if he cuts it now he will have to serve my dinner until May and there is no way I am going to crack first. I have spoken to my missus about it and she is happy so I could be 6'6" by the end of the season!
