And striker hoping for more license to thrill in wide role
PETER Odemwingie will head to Wigan on Saturday (ko 3pm) for the first time since the Latics tried to sign the Baggies striker 15 months ago.Albion rejected out of hand the Lancashire outfit’s bid – and rewarded him with a new-and-improved contract the same summer.
Now the Baggies striker is hoping to fire Steve Clarke’s men to their first victory at the DW Stadium in almost seven years, fresh from his deadly double in Monday’s 2-0 win over Southampton.
“In football, things do happen,” said Odemwingie, with Albion flying high in fifth spot, eight places and six points better off than Roberto Martinez’ side after ten games.
“The offer was maybe more interesting for me.
“Roberto Martinez is a very good manager so I won't say it would not have happened completely.
“But of course I preferred to stay at Albion because I had a great season and was enjoying the club - but I just wanted to get the contract that a player of my age and performances should have.”
He added: "Our away results at Wigan in the past two years are not great but Monday’s victory will put us in a very good position mentally.
“It is also a good thing to know Wigan are in very good form at the moment so we will really concentrate throughout the week and go there knowing we can get beat.”
Odemwingie also insists he is savouring the wide role Clarke has employed him in this season.
The 31-year-old hotshot added: “I know I won't score as often as I would like but I'm enjoying the team's football, sometimes I enjoy it so much that I play deeper than I should.
“On Monday before the game the coach said it is okay being there and trying to stay compact in the shape but we need you where you are more dangerous - inside the box.
“He told me not to be too defensive minded and that I should try and go forward more, it helped me and I scored more goals.
“Hopefully I can play on the wing with the encouragement from him to give me the go ahead to risk things a little bit.”