And boss says wide role suits Nigeria striker
STEVE Clarke says he has been delighted with Peter Odemwingie’s response since returning from a three-match ban for his red card at Fulham last month.And the Hawthorns boss is confident he is getting the best out of the former Lokomotiv Moscow striker in a wide role for the Baggies.
In the last three games Odemwingie has impressed in starts against QPR and Newcastle, which sandwiched a dazzling 26-minute cameo against champions Manchester City.
And he is now hoping to make the Albion starting XI in Monday’s home clash with lowly Southampton (ko 8pm).
“His sending off was a blow for him,” said Clarke.
“I think he has learned his lesson and he showed that in the game against QPR.
“I put him back in for that game and he played really well and he did what I thought he would do.
“He came in and made his contribution against Manchester City and Newcastle as well.
“I think Peter has always been motivated.
“When I spoke to him in the summer he was keen to be here and see how the team developed with me as the head coach.
“That was the impression I got from him at the start and I think he’s happy and comfortable here.
“He trains well every day and is a good worker, and I’ve got no complaints about him.
“He’s done well for me.”
The Baggies boss added: “I remember watching West Brom last year and Peter played off the right and got some goals from there.
“He keeps telling me how he scored a hat-trick against Wolves playing from the right!
“It is a position he plays.
“I remember seeing him a few years ago when we went to Moscow with Chelsea and he was playing for Lokomotiv off the right.
“It’s maybe a position that’s new to him at Albion but it’s not a new position to Peter.
“He has played there before.”