West Brom vs West Ham preview - Baggies caretaker head coach Michael Appleton takes charge against West Ham despite Roy Hodgson's appointment as manager.

Posted Saturday, February 12, 2011 by PA

West Brom vs West Ham preview - Baggies caretaker head coach Michael Appleton takes charge against West Ham despite Roy Hodgson's appointment as manager. Appleton should have Marek Cech available after he recovered from a groin strain.

Graham Dorrans, who pulled out of the Scotland squad that played Northern Ireland in midweek, should have shaken off his ankle knock in time.

Albion are adamant that Hodgson was always their number one choice to replace Roberto Di Matteo, who was relieved of his duties last Sunday. There had been strong speculation that former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton was a leading contender.

The 63-year-old Hodgson has made a quickfire return to football after his short spell at Liverpool was ended last month. Hodgson will have no problem working with West Brom's technical director, Dan Ashworth.

He has been used to having someone alongside him in similar roles before in his career - including Inter Milan - and does not see it as a threat or an obstacle.

Albion are mindful of the job Hodgson did in reviving Fulham's fortunes three years ago when they looked doomed to relegation.

Hodgson was voted manager of the year by the League Managers Association last season after guiding Fulham to the Europa League final.

Hodgson's close friend and current Aston Villa boss, Gerard Houllier, is glad to see the ex-Switzerland coach back in football.

He said: "Roberto did a good job and it was a bit of a kneejerk reaction (to sack him) but it is an opportunity for Roy to come back.

"He has been a friend for years. Sometimes the unhappiness of the one (Di Matteo) will make the happiness of the other (Hodgson). That is football.

"I'm sure Roy also appreciated the work done by Roberto. I thought they (West Brom) would have given the job maybe to the caretaker manager at the moment.

"But they decided otherwise and I am pleased to see Roy back."

West Ham will give a late fitness test to calf injury victim Robbie Keane, while James Tomkins (calf) and Matthew Upson (Achilles) are also doubts, but Manuel da Costa is available after coming through last weekend's match unscathed following four months out with an ankle injury.

Long-term absentee Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) played an hour in the reserves this week but is unlikely to be risked.