Darren Carter's latest return to fitness has confirmed to West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mow-bray that he does not need to make any more signings before the 'emergency loan' autumn window shuts in a fortnight's time.
The injury-plagued Albion midfield player has had a frustrating time since signing from Birmingham City for £1.5 million 16 months ago. He started just 11 games last season and has already missed more than half of the Baggies' league campaign this time round - his current ham-string problem being a particular annoyance given the prominent part he played in triggering Albion's resurgence under caretaker-manager Nigel Pearson after the sacking of Bryan Robson.
It was Carter whose superb run and cross set up Albion's key second goal against Leeds United, a tap-in for Diomansy Kamara, but the launchpad for the astonishing sequence of eight goals in six games with which the Senegal striker has transformed not only his own but his team's ambitions.
"I'm chuffed to bits for him," said Carter. "He has given everyone a lift and given the team a new dimension up front. His finishing has been fantastic.
"'Joe' came back pre-season looking sharp and was flying. Then he picked up his injury and we missed his pace but, since he's come back, he's been a revelation."
Now, after losing his place through suspension only to drop out again when he pulled his hamstring in the Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal, the influential Carter is hoping he too can recapture his fitness sufficiently to be allowed the chance of an extended run.
"Since the start of the season, I've come back positive and been pleased with my own form," he said. "So to get the injury when I did a couple of weeks ago was so gutting. I missed the Wolves game through suspension, came back into the team against Arsenal but got injured and then missed Blues, and now QPR and Derby too.
"It's been so frustrating. I've been so low watching the lads knowing that I should be out there trying to contribute. But, if I don't get any reaction, I'll be in contention for the Norwich City game on Saturday and I'm raring to go. Hopefully I'll be able to channel all that frustration into my performances on the pitch."
With not only Carter, but Nigel Quashie and Kevin Phillips all back fighting for places, it has been enough to convince Mowbray that he can manage without any further cover.
"We've got to trust this squad of players," he said. "What's the point in going into the loan market when I've got Phillips back now and Carter and Quashie back training?"
Meanwhile, axed goal-keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler has been cheered up by a call from his country for Switzer-land's friendly next week against Brazil.
The Swiss international was dropped at Derby on Saturday due to what his manager has called a "confidence crisis" to earn veteran Russell Hoult his first start in 18 months.
After his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in last month's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic, Paul McShane is also expected to be in action the same night in Dublin, when he is in line for a second cap in his country's Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino at Lansdowne Road.
