Richard Carpenter will be ready after all for Albion's first match in the Coca-Cola Championship on August 7.

The central midfielder thought he would miss the start of the season due to surgery on a long-standing knee problem.

Now physio Malcolm Stuart has revealed the operation was such a success that Carpenter should be fit for the big kick-off.

"It went ever so well," Stuart said. "We were aware there could be complications but it has gone even better than we hoped.

"The prognosis now is that 'Chippy' will be fit for the start of the season.

"That is a massive bonus, because we expected him to be out until September."

Defender Dean Blackwell, sidelined last season by cruciate knee ligament damage, is recovering from cartilage surgery on the same knee.

"It allowed us to check the reconstruction and everything is fine," Stuart said.

"We are hoping to have him ready for about the second week of pre-season training."

Utility player David Lee will also be fit for the start of the season following an ankle operation.

Lee has been offered a three-month contract, while Blackwell's future will be clarified once he is fully fit.

Albion have requested, on police advice, an away game on August 7 to avoid a clash with the Gay Pride festival and on September 25 because of the Labour Party conference.