Albion manager Mark McGhee today played down hopes of defender Adam Hinshelwood returning from a career-threatening injury well ahead of schedule.

Physio Malcolm Stuart believes Hinshelwood could be back from cruciate knee ligament damage by the end of October but McGhee will not be taking any risks with the highly rated young stopper.

Experienced duo Dean Blackwell and Simon Rodger had their careers ended by similar injuries last season and the upbeat bulletin on Hinshelwood's progress does not change McGhee's plans to sign a centre half as cover.

McGhee said: "It is great news but I am also very cautious.

"I need to be absolutely convinced he is ready before I allow him to come back. This is a career-threatening injury, particularly if it goes again."

Hinshelwood, who earned an England under-21 call-up last season, is pleased with the way his recovery is going.

"I am just getting the movement back and hopefully I will start on light weights next week," he said.

"I was told to start with it would be Christmas before I am back so anything sooner will be a bonus.

"I want to be 100 per cent when I come back, ready to make an impact. I don't want to be back in with Malcolm again."

Meanwhile, Albion have been linked with Sam Parkin as the search for a hold-up striker continues, but Swindon's asking price of around £700,000 is likely to rule him out.