Roy calls for Baggies focus

ROY HODGSON believes his West Brom players need to concentrate on their own game rather than worry about the threat posed by Stoke ahead of their Premier League fixture tonight.

Hodgson has not ignored the danger of Stoke’s set-pieces and Rory Delap’s long throw-ins but has spent time working out how to hurt Stoke.

A win at Stoke for the first time in 28 years would take West Brom through the 30-point barrier and leave them only two behind Tony Pulis’ men.

Hodgson admitted: “Every week, you come up against a team which has a slightly different focus to its play. At the start of the week, you begin to prepare your team around that focus.

“However, although it is a cliche, it is important we do things right as far as we’re concerned and that we don’t totally change our game to suit the opposition.

“We must have a game plan of our own and make certain we attack and defend well against all teams,” he added.

Hodgson also admitted he would like to have a player like Delap at his disposal.

“There have been many players down the years renowned for their long throw-ins but Rory Delap will probably go into the history books as the most successful and difficult long thrower to deal with because of the trajectory and pace of his throw-ins.’’

Meanwhile Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp feels the club’s relationship with John Carew is like “a good match,” but whether it becomes permanent this summer remains to be seen.

The 31-year-old Norway striker could not be happier with life at the Britannia Stadium, claiming earlier this week how he has been made to feel “unbelievably welcome” and “at home” by everyone at Stoke.

In turn, manager Tony Pulis and Kemp are firm fans of Carew, with the latter stating: “He has been a great addition to the squad. “He is a big plus as he has made a big impact and hopefully he will continue doing that.

“He is a bubbly type of character, and as his performances have been superb, we’re very pleased he is here.

“He is actually a very pleasant person to be around. His cup is always half full, and that demeanour helps around the football club.’’

Given Carew’s comments regarding how settled he feels at Stoke, a permanent deal in the summer is possible.

However, if he maintains the kind of form he has so far shown, the Potteries outfit might face competition for his signature.

Right now, club and player appear ideally suited, with Kemp adding: “It’s like two people who were looking for one another and they’ve found each other.

“He has found it a good place for him, and we’re very pleased he is here, so it is a good match, and hopefully that will continue for some considerable time.’’