Cox looks to cement his Euro ticket

HAT-TRICK HERO Simon Cox said the next few months will be crucial if he is to secure a place in the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 squad.

Last week Cox said he may have to move away from West Brom this month to play regular football and keep in Giovanni Trapattoni’s thoughts. However boss Roy Hodgson ruled out a transfer for the Ireland striker unless “Manchester City or someone like that comes in and offer a lot of money”.

Following three well-taken goals against Cardiff City in the Baggies 4-2 FA Cup win on Saturday, you can see why Hodgson wants to hang on to the 24-year-old.

“This next six months are probably one of the biggest six months in my career,” said Cox.

“I feel that if I am to guarantee my place on that plane I have to be as fit and as sharp as possible.”

The former Reading and Swindon player would like to stay at the Hawthorns but would put the opportunity to represent Ireland in Poland and Ukraine above fighting for an Albion place from the sidelines.

“I had a chat with the manager and it sounded positive and lets hope what he says is true and I can stay in the team. He said if you want the run of games you have got to show what you can do. That is all I ever asked — three, four, five games on the bounce. Not to be going into one game and out the next regardless of the result.”

“I have been chomping to play up front and hopefully I have been given the chance to play up there.”

Hodgson hailed Cox after the game: “I’m pleased he has shown us he’s a Premier League player. He’s been up there as one of our best players in these last two games. He has had to be patient because we’ve had Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie in the side.”