Soccer:West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson insists he will not be rushed into making a decision on whether to offer midfielder Keith Andrews a new contract. The Republic of Ireland midfielder joined the Baggies from Blackburn in January until the end of the season and has created a favourable impression.

But Hodgson will not make a quickfire judgement on Andrews or any player whose current deal expires in the summer. He said: “Keith has only been here a few weeks and there are still nine or 10 games to go so there is a lot of football to be played.

“I don’t think we’re going to fall into that trap of if someone has three games then the world is your oyster, or equally if someone has three bad games means we don’t mention your name again. I don’t think we’ll be judging in those terms. We know what Keith can do and we know his qualities and we’re very pleased with them.

“But it will be very important that, when we sit down and offer him a new contract, he knows exactly what role we see for him and where he will be positioned at the club. I don’t really want to do that with any player at the moment.”

Hodgson added: “That is not just the case with Keith Andrews, it could be any one of a number of players whose contracts are running out and who might want a new contract. I will be saying ‘Let’s get a few weeks further down the road before we make a decision’.

“In my opinion it’s very dangerous to make a decision in the good moments. You’re much better making a decision in the bad moments.”