West Brom manager Steve Bruce is 'encouraged' by centre-back Kean Bryan's progress in his injury recovery, according to journalist Lewis Cox.

The Lowdown: Long-term Baggies absentee

The 25-year-old suffered a cruel beginning to his Baggies career last November, picking up an anterior cruciate ligament injury on his first start for the club.

That major setback has ruled Bryan out of action ever since and he is still working hard on his recovery almost a year after the injury took place.

The end appears to be in sight, thankfully, following a positive new update on the situation.

The Latest: Journalist provides positive update

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, The Express & Star's Cox claimed that Bryan was making good progress in his recovery:

"Update on Kean Bryan’s fitness. Boss Steve Bruce encouraged by progress. Defender now spent 10 months on the sidelines."

In the attached story, it is explained that Bryan is back training outside at the club's base in Walsall, though there is no specific date set for his comeback yet.

The Verdict: Big boost for West Brom

This is excellent news for West Brom, with Bryan such an exciting signing when he joined from Sheffield United last year and someone who was seen as a game-changer at the back.

To have been limited to just 49 minutes of action for the Baggies is such terrible luck but it does at least feel as though his comeback is edging closer all the time.

Bryan will take time to find his feet again and reach peak physical fitness, but at 25, he has years ahead of him and can still become a hugely important player at the Hawthorns.