ROY Hodgson admits Shane Long has got a fight on his hands to get back into Albion's starting XI ahead of Saturday's clash with Sunderland (ko 3pm).

The Ireland striker was an unused substitute in the 5-1 derby demolition of Wolves 11 days ago and has not started a game since New Year's Day due to back and chest problems.

It has been a tough time for the six-goal hitman after an impressive first half of the season.

And Hodgson says he may need to be patient for another chance due to the current form of Molineux hat-trick hero Peter Odemwingie and revitalised Marc-Antoine Fortune.

"Well it would be harsh to leave Marco out of the team at the moment based on his performances so I suppose Shane might need to be patient," said the Baggies boss.

"But then again we play with quite a few front players these days so there will be opportunities, I'm sure, for him.

"The good thing is that in Marc-Antoine Fortune we have a player who can play in a couple of positions.

"He can play in a central position or as a wider forward so we have some options up front."

Hodgson has even hinted he may continue to use Odemwingie on the right wing after his starring role against Wanderers in that position.

And he hopes the Nigeria hotshot can continue that form into what he has described as a make-or-break final third of the season.

"He's been quite lively since he's been back in full-time training," he added.

"The goals were just the icing on the cake for him.

"He now has to keep it up for the next 13 games, that's the most important thing.

"It's a third of the season, it's the final third of the season and a very important period because it's the period where things will be decided - who goes up, who goes down and who finishes in the middle of the table.

"This will decide our campaign so it's good that he's fully fit going into this period, and we hope he can build on the performance and goals he scored against Wolves.

"He came to the club as a right-winger so it's nothing new for him.

"It's not unusual for him to play there and he did it last year for us on a few occasions.

"Maybe he is even happier there some days, but I guess some days he will be happier there than others.

"I guess with all players it depends.

"If he's getting enough of the ball then I'm sure he's happy out there, otherwise he'll be wanting to move back into the centre."