Hodgson keen to keep Andrews

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his desire to hold onto midfielder Keith Andrews if the club avoid relegation.

The 31-year-old was released from his Blackburn Rovers contract, after handing in a transfer request, in late January before being snapped up by Hodgson on transfer deadline day.

Since his arrival, the Republic of Ireland international has scored two goals in his first two games, including on his debut in the 5-1 drubbing of local rivals Wolves.

With Andrews’ six-month deal set to expire in the summer, the West Brom coach admitted he wants to keep the experienced midfielder for longer if he manages to steer the West Midlands outfit away from the drop.

“When we signed Keith it was a case of seeing where the club is in the summer and then we will review the situation,” Hodgson said.

“It was a case of if things go well for him and the club then there was no reason to ‘divorce’ and, if the club didn’t do well or he didn’t settle in, then he would be a free agent again.”

“At the moment we look very much on track to achieve our goal (of staying in the Premier League).”

Hodgson is also considering the future of other players, including trying to secure on-loan goalkeeper Ben Foster on a permanent deal.

“Between now and the end of the season, we will look into contract situations with people like Keith who could walk away. I’m sure we will be sitting down to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he said.

“Our only chance, I would think, of Ben being available for us would be if Birmingham don’t go up.”

“If all goes well and they do want to sell, I would think we would have a good chance as long as the transfer fee is one the club feels it can accept.”