West Brom need 'world-beater' Odemwingie back, insists Foster

13-Feb-2013 9:40:00 PM

The Nigeria international failed in his attempts to force through a deadline day move to QPR, but the Baggies' goalkeeper and Gareth McAuley insists they will welcome him back

West Brom duo Ben Foster and Gareth McAuley insist Peter Odemwingie will be welcomed back into the Baggies side after his failed attempt to force a move to QPR.

The Nigeria international showed up at Loftus Road unannounced, despite no deal being agreed between the sides, and last week found himself banished from training by Steve Clarke as a result.

But with Odemwingie closing in on a return to action, Foster has revealed he is delighted to have the attacker back and hopes he can contribute to the side between now and the end of the season.

He told the club's official website: “The lads realise that if Pete is on the pitch, playing well and scoring goals, everyone benefits from it.

“That’s how we’re looking at it. Everything is fine. The line has been drawn and now we’re back talking about football.

“Peter is an important part of our team. When he’s on form he’s an absolute world-beater, so we will welcome him back into the squad with no qualms whatsoever.

“And I’m sure he will join in and give 110 per cent like he always does. What happened was really unfortunate.

“I don’t think anybody expected to see what they saw but we’ve moved on from it now and I don’t think anybody even talks about it.

“Peter is back in training, doing what he always does, and hopefully he will start to get more involved and things will be back to normal.”

McAuley echoed Foster's words and believes the Baggies need Odemwwingie back as they look to reignite their charge at the top six.

“Once you get on the pitch you forget about other things,” he added.

“But it’s been well-documented and it was just important that we got back on the pitch and people started talking about things other than what was happening off the pitch.

“We need Pete. We need him back on the pitch, playing and scoring goals for us. He’s had a few days off while things were going on so he only trained really for one day last week and he needs to get training again.

“He will get training again now and hopefully soon he’ll be involved in the games and scoring goals for us again.”

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