Club News

Boss confident he can cover African duo

Clarke not fazed by potential loss of Mulumbu and Odemwingie

STEVE Clarke is confident he has the squad to cope with the potential loss of star duo Youssouf Mulumbu and Peter Odemwingie to African Nations Cup 2013 duty.

Both players’ respective countries - DR Congo and Nigeria – booked their places at the South Africa finals thanks to comfortable aggregate wins at the weekend.

Should the pair earn call-ups they will leave The Hawthorns ahead of the tournament, which takes place between January 19 and February 10.

But Clarke believes he has other players in his squad capable of filling the void.

“We spoke about it at the start of the season,” said Clarke.

“We knew we had the possibility of losing Youssouf if he decided to come out of international retirement, which he did.

“I'm not really sure about Peter. He hasn't been called up to a Nigeria squad since I've been here. I don't know what his position is.

“We discussed it and we think we have enough in the squad to cover any absences in January.

“If not, it’s a good month for it because the transfer window is open again in January, and if you need to address the situation you can.

“Many things can change between now and January, but as things stand we’re comfortable with the squad we’ve got.”