Cox: Go times are on the way at Baggies; Injury-hit strike ace on track.

Byline: Chris Lepkowski

SIMON Cox is confident the 'good times' are imminent following his injury-hit preseason for Albion.

The striker's summer has been hampered by a niggling ankle injury, which he picked up during his medical when he was finalising his move from Swindon to Albion.

It was made worse by the dry, hard pitches in Slovenia but he now hopes to be back on track with his fitness.

And Cox hopes to score his first goal for Albion sooner, rather than later.

"I'm still finding my feet around the training ground, getting to know the players, the way they play, the way I play, getting to know the manager, and it's been enjoyable," Cox told the Birmingham Mail.

"I've still got the injury but I'm trying to play on as the medical staff said it should go away.

"All I remember is turning my ankle a bit during my medical at the indoor arena. The hard ground in Slovenia probably took me over the edge.

"Strikers go through patches and if I can have that patch now then I can have a decent season. Goals don't mean anything in pre-season.

"I'm still lacking that bit of sharpness in and around the box, trying to find my scoring boots.

"I think I left them at Swindon and I hope I picked them up on the way out after the friendly on Tuesday. Hopefully the good times will follow.

"It's about getting fit, performing together as a team and making sure we're right for Newcastle." Meanwhile, Albion are looking at German international David Odonkor. They have already entered into preliminary discussions with his club Real Betis but a deal has not yet been agreed, contrary to reports elsewhere.

The speedy winger is one of several players being monitored by Hawthorns' staff but I understand there are several potential hurdles. Odonkor is being strongly linked with top flight clubs elsewhere, including those in the Premier League, and his injury record would also pose further worries. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star, who featured for Germany in the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, has played just 40 games for Real Betis during his three year spell at the Spanish club.

The Baggies have, meanwhile, played down reports of a possible swap deal involving Marek Cech and FC Twente striker Romano Denneboom. Albion are keen to recruit another striker - they are looking at Rotherham's Reuben Reid - but have no intention of cashing in on left-back Cech.

CAPTION(S):

Simon Cox.