West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has backed Peter Odemwingie to pay back the club with great performances following his new contract. Odemwingie was linked with a move away from the club following a successful first season last term, however ended all speculation when he signed an improved three-year contract at the Hawthorns.
However Hodgson now expects the Nigerian international to improve on his impressive debut season but is confident that the Baggies will not regret their investment.
Hodgson is confident that Odemwingie will form a strong partnership with new boy Shane Long and feels they will bring the club a high amount of goals.
The Baggies boss said: “We’re hoping Peter stays fit, that he gels with Shane Long and scores lots of goals again.
“That’s what we renewed his contract for and why we were so anxious to keep him.
“I regard Odemwingie as a starting player who should be one of our important team members, and we have rewarded him accordingly.
“It’s up to him to get out on the field and prove that’s the player he is.”