WEST BROM STRUGGLES TO KEEP OSAZE

Osaze
West Bromwich Albion's Coach, Roy Hodgson, has admitted he may have to fight to hold on to striker Peter Odemwingie during the summer. The Nigerian has scored 10 goals this season, the second most of any player in a bottom-half Premier League team.

Having paid tribute to Odemwingie, Hodgson was asked if he would have to brace himself for offers for his 29-year-old top scorer. “Perhaps, but I'll worry about that when the time comes,” he said. “Whatever happens after the season finishes, I'll concern myself with at that time.

'We try to tailor (Peter') programme to make certain that we don't burn him out. “Peter's been an excellent signing for the club.” Last weekend, Odemwingie was a key performer in the 3-2 win over Sunderland.

Hodgson said that no matter how many goals Odemwingie scores this season, he will be judged by how the team performs as a whole. West Brom currently sit 13th in the Premier League, four points clear of the relegation zone with seven matches left to play.

“He'll be pleased with his season so far,” he added.

“But I hope he's going to agree with me that the only way he can really be satisfied is if he does well for his club and his club stays in the league.” Odemwingie's efforts are all the more impressive, owing to the fact that he had no real rest in 2010, an issue that has led West Brom to manage his training programme carefully. “We are aware of the fact that he hasn't had much of a break,” Hodgson explained.

“Because he came from the Russian league (which runs from March to November), and has also had the World Cup with Nigeria. “We do try to tailor his programme between games to make certain that we don't burn him out.” West Brom take on Sunderland on Saturday, with the Black Cats having picked up just one point from their last seven league games.