Roy Hodgson does not believe West Brom have seen much of a return on the new contract Peter Odemwingie signed in the summer.
Boss says Baggies have 'got nothing' out of striker this season
Roy Hodgson does not believe West Brom have got anything out of Peter Odemwingie this season as they look to see a return on the lucrative new contract he signed in the summer.
The Nigerian striker joined the Baggies in the summer of 2010 and enjoyed a prolific first season with the club, scoring 15 Premier League goals.
The 30-year-old was rewarded with a big-money deal in August to ward off reported interest from elsewhere, but he has not been able to replicate last term's form during the early part of the 2011/12 campaign.
He has been dogged by fitness problems and is doubtful for Saturday's game against Tottenham due to a knee injury, leaving Hodgson wondering when he will finally flourish.
"I'm frustrated because we've got nothing out of him this year," said Hodgson.
"He didn't take part in many of the pre-season matches and he hasn't taken part in many of the matches since then.
"It's been one problem after another."
Odemwingie's latest injury has proved particularly frustrating for Hodgson, who can no longer be sure about the severity of the problem and has questioned his forward's commitment.
Hodgson added: "Peter is difficult to work out - you would have to speak to the doctor about him.
"This is still the same problem he's had for a month. He was supposed to be fit for the Arsenal game but wasn't.
"Then he was definitely going to be fit for the Bolton game but wasn't.
"And he is supposed to be fit for the Tottenham game and now there's a doubt about that too.
"So I take any optimism with a pinch of salt."
Hierarchy
The Baggies boss continued: "For a player who we really put so much into in the hope that he would be a major force for staying in the Premier League we have not had much of a return.
"What makes it even harder is when you get a player who is frustrated or is frustrating it gets highlighted more when you have players like the Geras, Longs, Reids and the Thomases who play through pain every week."
While Shane Long arrived over the summer to increase West Brom's attacking options, Hodgson still believes Odemwingie should be contributing more after accepting such a good contract offer.
He added: "When you sign that contract and accept a lot more money following a good season, then you automatically accept that the club thinks you're the man and that can put pressure on you.
"Your star players need to be available for selection - the fact someone else might have come in and done well is irrelevant.
"There is a hierarchy at every football club."
