[h=3]Upson ready for the big finale[/h]5:00am Friday 2nd May 2014 in Albion By Andy Naylor
Matt Upson is open to contract talks on another one-year deal
Matt Upson has declared himself ready for Albion’s play-off finale and another year at the Amex.
The newly crowned player of the season is on course to return to the heart of the defence at Nottingham Forest tomorrow.
Upson suffered an ankle tendon injury in the 0-0 draw at Barnsley four weeks ago.
The 35-year-old has soldiered on since then against Leicester, Charlton and Blackpool but missed two of the last three games against Huddersfield and Yeovil, when Lewis Dunk deputised.
Upson told The Argus: “I’m okay. Ideally it could do with more rest. “I think it’s one of those things that only goes away with rest.
“If this was the middle of the season I would possibly step out for two weeks solid and not do anything and fight my way back in.
“But we’re in a unique situation in the sense that it’s the last game of the season and I am doing everything I can to make myself available for selection.”
Boss Oscar Garcia’s midfield options are in the melting pot. Dale Stephens went off with an ankle injury in the closing stages of last Friday’s 2-0 win against Yeovil and Keith Andrews has also been nursing a minor niggle this week.
Albion need to better Reading’s result at home to Burnley to creep into the play-offs in sixth spot.
Upson, meanwhile, has revealed he is open to another one-year deal. The former England centre-half is one of several first team regulars out of contract at the end of the season.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “I’ve loved the season and I’ve loved playing for the club, so if something happens then great.”
Original article
Matt Upson has declared himself ready for Albion’s play-off finale and another year at the Amex.
The newly crowned player of the season is on course to return to the heart of the defence at Nottingham Forest tomorrow.
Upson suffered an ankle tendon injury in the 0-0 draw at Barnsley four weeks ago.
The 35-year-old has soldiered on since then against Leicester, Charlton and Blackpool but missed two of the last three games against Huddersfield and Yeovil, when Lewis Dunk deputised.
Upson told The Argus: “I’m okay. Ideally it could do with more rest. “I think it’s one of those things that only goes away with rest.
“If this was the middle of the season I would possibly step out for two weeks solid and not do anything and fight my way back in.
“But we’re in a unique situation in the sense that it’s the last game of the season and I am doing everything I can to make myself available for selection.”
Boss Oscar Garcia’s midfield options are in the melting pot. Dale Stephens went off with an ankle injury in the closing stages of last Friday’s 2-0 win against Yeovil and Keith Andrews has also been nursing a minor niggle this week.
Albion need to better Reading’s result at home to Burnley to creep into the play-offs in sixth spot.
Upson, meanwhile, has revealed he is open to another one-year deal. The former England centre-half is one of several first team regulars out of contract at the end of the season.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said. “I’ve loved the season and I’ve loved playing for the club, so if something happens then great.”
Original article