Wallwork eyes return to training

Wallwork was on loan at Barnsley at the time of the incident

West Brom midfielder Ronnie Wallwork could return to light training next week after recovering from stab wounds.

Doctors say Wallwork should make a full recovery after being stabbed in a Manchester club last November.

The 29-year-old midfielder told Radio Five Live: "I was lucky to be alive, I'm just taking things slowly.

"There's scar tissue on my stomach where they operated, which is still a bit sore, but maybe next week I can get back into light training."

Interview: West Brom midfielder Ronnie Wallwork

Wallwork was on loan at Barnsley at the time of the incident which took place in Manchester's Sugar Lounge.

He started two games for Barnsley before being sidelined, and admitted the incident had put things into perspective.

He said: "When it happened, I wasn't thinking about football. I was just lucky to be alive.

I will be mentally ready for when I walk out on to the pitch for the first time West Brom midfielder Ronnie Wallwork

"The doctors said I was fortunate not to have punctured a lung or something more serious."

"But I was delighted to hear the news that the doctors have said I will make a full recovery.

"I'm not going to rush, I have to take things slowly and take my time to get fit," added Wallwork who was released from hospital in mid-December.

"But I think I will be mentally ready for when I walk out on to the pitch for the first time when I return."

Robert Rimmer, 20, of Abbey Hey Lane, Gorton, has been charged with attempted murder and will appear before Manchester Crown Court on 26 February.