Boost for Baggies as midfielder Teixeira makes good progress in fitness fight

Barclays Premier League newcomers West Brom are encouraged by the progress of Filipe Teixeira even though he will not be fit for the start of their top-flight campaign.

Club physio Richie Rawlins is pleased with the 27-year-old's progress following surgery on a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee which forced him to miss the final two months of last season.  

With West Brom insisting no time frame has yet been set for the Portuguese midfielder's full recovery, Rawlins nonetheless appears encouraged by his progress so far.  

The physio told his club's official website: 'I've been speaking to Filipe throughout the summer, and he seems very optimistic and happy with how things are going.  

'The operation was a success. The swelling has all gone down, and the knee is a lot stronger.  

'There have been no setbacks. He is progressing really well, and everything is going according to plan.'