Soccer:Former Republic of Ireland international Steven Reid is hoping to return to action in next Tuesday's home Premier League clash with Wigan after his recovery from knee surgery. Reid has made good progress with his rehabilitation work since having the operation just over a fortnight ago.

He is optimistic of returning to full training in the next few days to put him in contention to play some part against the Latics. Reid said: "I'm hoping to get back into full training at the weekend if I do enough with the physios over the next few days.

"I need to be in full training by then if I'm to have half a chance of being involved against Wigan. But I don't want to push it too much as I only had surgery two and a half weeks ago."

Meanwhile Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo is continuing his search to bring in a new striker before the transfer window shuts.

Possible targets include Arsenal's Carlos Vela - in a loan deal - Dieumerci Mbokani of Monaco and Celtic's Giorgios Samaras. The Baggies have a blank weekend after their third round elimination from the FA Cup by Reading.