Andrews future priority for Hodgson

01 March 2012 10:47

West Brom will look to secure midfielder Keith Andrews' long-term future once they have guaranteed Barclays Premier League survival, according to head coach Roy Hodgson.

Andrews made the move from Blackburn on a six-month contract during the January transfer window, but he has already impressed Hodgson sufficiently for the Baggies chief to be thinking of extending his stay beyond this season.

Hodgson said: "When we signed Keith it was a case of seeing where the club is in the summer and then we will review the situation."

He added: "It was a case of if things go well for him and the club then there was no reason to 'divorce' and, if the club didn't do well or he didn't settle in, then he would be a free agent again.

"At the moment we look very much on track to achieve our goal (of staying in the Premier League).

"Between now and the end of the season, we will look into contract situations with people like Keith who could walk away. I'm sure we will be sitting down to make sure that doesn't happen."

Hodgson said Albion would also look to sign goalkeeper Ben Foster on a permanent basis but that could depend on whether his parent club, Birmingham, fail to gain promotion from the Championship.

He said: "Our only chance, I would think, of Ben being available for us would be if Birmingham don't go up.

"If all goes well and they do want to sell, I would think we would have a good chance as long as the transfer fee is one the club feels it can accept.

"By carrying on playing in the Premier League this season with us, he might have added to his value."

Source: PA