West Brom's Steven Reid ruled out for six weeks

Reid (right) in action against Manchester United

West Brom utility player Steven Reid will be out for at least six weeks after tearing his cartilage in Saturday's defeat by Manchester United.

The 29-year-old limped off in the second half of the 2-1 loss and now needs surgery that will keep him out until at least the middle of February.

"He's an important squad member and was playing well until he was forced off," said Baggies boss Roberto di Matteo.

"The big thing about him is that he offers cover for so many positions."

Former Republic of Ireland international Reid began his career at Millwall before moving to Blackburn in 2003.

606: DEBATE Bringing him on for the last 10 minutes in games we were winning always made me feel we had secured the points. brokeninbyhand

He had an injury-plagued spell at Ewood Park and spent the end of last season on loan at West Brom, helping the Baggies win promotion before making a permanent move to the Hawthorns in the summer.

He has won 23 caps, including playing at the 2002 World Cup, before retiring from international football in the summer to concentrate on extending his club career.