Vela strike pleases Hodgson

28 February 2011 23:30
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson was thankful for the quality of on-loan forward Carlos Vela after the substitute rescued a point in the 1-1 draw at Stoke. The Arsenal star struck late on for the second time in eight days to earn the Baggies a point at the Britannia Stadium. Stoke had led through Rory Delap's 53rd-minute header but the Mexico international fired home three minutes from time despite appearing to be offside. Vela had come to Hodgson's rescue at home to Wolves a week ago on Sunday when he hit a 90th-minute equaliser and a similar intervention ensured Hodgson remains unbeaten in his two matches since taking over from Roberto Di Matteo. "We have the luxury of horses for courses and in Vela and Peter Odemwingie we have two very gifted players," said the West Brom boss. "I was not convinced the game would suit them in the early part and I always had the thought if it opened up in the second half they would be very useful players to bring on and fortunately I was proved right."

Source: PA