Club News

Odemwingie reaction impresses Keen

Joint-No.2 says striker is firmly in Clarke's thoughts for QPR clash

KEVIN Keen insists Peter Odemwingie’s ‘impressive’ performances in training have ensured he remains firmly in Steve Clarke’s thoughts for Saturday’s clash with QPR (ko 3pm).

The Baggies striker has now completed his three-match ban for the red card he was shown at Fulham almost three weeks ago.

And Keen says last season’s 11-goal top scorer is chomping at the bit to make amends for his needless sending-off at Craven Cottage.

“I think since I’ve come in and met Peter I can tell he is a really good guy,” said Albion’s joint-assistant head coach.

“He is great around the place, speaks goodness knows how many languages, and is good with the lads.

“I think he is always quite humble and a nice bloke and I find him an intelligent, good man.

“I would say his training over the last two weeks is as good as it’s been.

“He’s got a fantastic quality, whether it’s passing and moving, or his finishing.

“His qualities are really, really top draw.

“I’ve been so impressed by him in general - and certainly over the last two weeks.

“He’s chomping at the bit to get back into the team and perhaps to make up for his sending-off, and give the lads back a little bit after feeling that he maybe let them down at Fulham.

“Again, his training has been fantastic over the last two weeks and he will certainly be in Steve’s thoughts for Saturday.

“He’s a great player, whether starting or coming off the bench.

“He’s got some real quality and a goal in him every time he goes on the pitch.”

And Keen is in no doubt Odemwingie’s moment of madness in the 3-0 defeat against the Cottagers was out of character.

“We all know that's not him,” he added.

“It would have been like me, during my playing career, kicking out at someone!

“It was really out of character and, as Steve said at the time, these things do happen and suddenly the game can switch.

“But that's not Peter.

“He has a lot to offer and I'll be surprised if he's not involved in some way on Saturday.”