Joseph Masi has dropped a teasing update on the fitness of West Bromwich Albion centre-back Dara O'Shea ahead of the Baggies' upcoming Championship fixture.
What's the latest?
In a recent report for The Express & Star, the journalist revealed that, following a near six month lay off with a broken ankle, the Republic of Ireland international could finally be in line for a return to the starting XI this weekend - when West Brom make the trip to Luton Town for Saturday's 15:00 kick-off.
In his article, Masi writes: "Albion defender Dara O'Shea says he found himself in a 'dark place' after fracturing his ankle back in September. But the 22-year-old insists he's now ready for a strong end to the season - with the centre-back potentially set to start at Luton on Saturday."
Bruce will be buzzing
Considering just how impressive O'Shea had been for West Brom during the opening fixtures of the 2021/22 Championship campaign, the news that the centre-back could finally be in line for starting role this weekend is sure to have left Steve Bruce buzzing.
Indeed, over his six league outings so far this season, the £2.7m-rated defender has been in remarkable form for Albion, helping his side keep two clean sheets and scoring two goals, in addition to making an average of 1.8 interceptions, two tackles, 3.2 clearances and winning a quite extraordinary 8.5 duels - at a success rate of 65% - per game.
These returns have seen the £4.4k-per-week 6'2 colossus average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him as the Baggies' best player in the second tier of English football.
As such, following his 10-minute return to first-team football in the 2-0 loss to Sheffield United last week, before sitting out the 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers last weekend, the news that the 22-year-old could finally be ready for a starting berth against Luton is sure to come as a major boost to the 61-year-old West Brom manager and his side.
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