SIMON COX put himself firmly in the shop window after firing West Brom into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a hat-trick against Cardiff City.

The Republic of Ireland international striker, who is believed to be looking for a move away from the Hawthorns due to a lack of first-team opportunities, was on the scoresheet three times in the 4-2 win.

Goals from Peter Odemwingie and Cox opened up a two-goal lead just after the half-hour, only for a City side showing 10 changes to be level after 50 minutes courtesy of former Albion striker Robert Earnshaw and substitute Joe Mason.

It was Cox, though, with only one previous goal this season, and that was back in August, who had the final say with a 25-yard strike on the hour and a tap in at the death.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson took the opportunity to tell Cox to knock on his door first before he speaks out of turn about his future.

Cox last week stated he might have to leave The Hawthorns for the sake of his career if he fails to hold down a first-team place.

Hodgson initially expressed his delight with Cox’s performance as he said to reporters: “That’s a positive for Simon who has taken his chance when it has come along. I thought he did very well at Tottenham the other night as well, so with his three goals and his performance today, it’s a clear positive for us and for him.”

But asked as to his thoughts when told of Cox’s comments, Hodgson was clearly unimpressed, adding: “My thinking has never changed. I’ve never considered him going elsewhere. I don’t know what he’s said to the press, but as far as I’m concerned he is a West Bromwich Albion player, and I’m very happy about that.

“Before he makes those statements and gets you all so excited, it might be a good idea if he comes and speaks to me. It’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

Cox’s fellow Ireland international Damien Duff was also on target for Fulham but the winger’s effort was overshadowed by a hat-trick from Clint Dempsey as the Martin Jol’s side avoided a potential upset with a 4-0 win over Charlton.

Another Republic of Ireland international Jon Walters helped Stoke City progress as Tony Pulis enjoyed a victorious 3-1 return to the Priestfield Stadium, coming from a goal down to open their campaign with a comfortable win against Gillingham.

Last season’s runners-up, Stoke responded to Danny Kedwell’s 16th-minute strike with goals from Walters, Cameron Jerome and Robert Huth.

Pulis managed Gillingham between 1995 and 1999, guiding the club to the brink of the Championship before leaving in acrimonious circumstances, which ended in a court case.

Gillingham owner Paul Scally banned Pulis from all areas of the ground except the dugout and the changing room and wrote in the match programme that he could never forgive the Stoke manager.

But the Gillingham support gave Pulis a standing ovation, which he returned with a wave and applause to all corners of the ground before taking his place in the technical area.

Birmingham’s Irish International goalkeeper Colin Doyle made a superb double save in injury-time to earn his side an FA Cup third round replay against Wolverhampton Wanderers after a drab goalless draw at St Andrew’s.

Cork-born Doyle tipped a drive from Wolves winger Matt Jarvis onto a post and then kept out the rebound header from Steven Fletcher.