WEST BROM BOSS Steve Clarke has urged supporters to put their feelings towards Peter Odemwingie to one side should he be included in the team.
The Nigeria international hasn’t featured for the club since turning up at QPR’s training ground without his club’s permission on transfer deadline day, in an attempt to force through a move.
However, the striker is likely to be involved in the squad that host Sunderland on Saturday and, while Clarke acknowledges that fans may feel aggrieved, he insists that they must not let that affect their support.
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“I understand some of the supporters might not want to forgive Peter quickly but, when they go to the stadium, all I ask is they support the team,” he said.
“If Peter scores a hat-trick and they choose not to celebrate Peter’s goals, they should celebrate the fact that the team have scored.
“All we can ask is that the supporters support the team and don’t allow their feelings over one player to over-ride the fact that the support has been great this year, home and away.”
The 49-year-old confirmed Odemwingie will be involved in the game with the Black Cats in some capacity, stating that his relatively small squad means that the forward must be utilised.
“We’ve had a couple of little chats but nothing in-depth and he knows the situation,” he said.
“He knows he needs to work hard and he has to be ready for his opportunity when it comes and, for sure, it will come, because we only carry a small squad.
“Will he be considered for Saturday? Absolutely. I’ve got 20 players available and he’ll be involved with the 20 players.”
Clarke asks West Brom fans not to boo Peter Odemwingie
WEST BROM BOSS Steve Clarke has urged supporters to put their feelings towards Peter Odemwingie to one side should he be included in the team.
The Nigeria international hasn’t featured for the club since turning up at QPR’s training ground without his club’s permission on transfer deadline day, in an attempt to force through a move.
However, the striker is likely to be involved in the squad that host Sunderland on Saturday and, while Clarke acknowledges that fans may feel aggrieved, he insists that they must not let that affect their support.
“I understand some of the supporters might not want to forgive Peter quickly but, when they go to the stadium, all I ask is they support the team,” he said.
“If Peter scores a hat-trick and they choose not to celebrate Peter’s goals, they should celebrate the fact that the team have scored.
The 49-year-old confirmed Odemwingie will be involved in the game with the Black Cats in some capacity, stating that his relatively small squad means that the forward must be utilised.
“We’ve had a couple of little chats but nothing in-depth and he knows the situation,” he said.
“Will he be considered for Saturday? Absolutely. I’ve got 20 players available and he’ll be involved with the 20 players.”
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Baggies Peter Odemwingie Steve Clarke West Brom