ROY Hodgson has spoken in glowing terms about Simon Cox, who remains on standby for Sunday’s derby against Wolves.

The striker has tasted just 25 minutes of Premier League action this season, despite finishing last term strongly.

Cox could find himself in contention this weekend due to Peter Odemwingie’s ankle problem.

Odemwingie was due to see a specialist in Holland this week and although the injury is not expected to be serious, it might keep him out of the eagerly-anticipated Hawthorns clash.

If the Nigerian does miss out then Cox will compete for the vacant first-team berth with Somen Tchoyi and Marc-Antoine Fortuné.

Cox revealed his admiration for Hodgson in an interview last week and the manager has reciprocated, saying how impressed he was with the striker’s performance for Ireland against Armenia. “I’ve admired Simon’s patience,” said Hodgson.

“He’s done very well for hiself. I was probably expecting Shane Long, who was picked in front of Kevin Doyle before his injury, to start for Ireland.

“But I’m sure Giovanni Trappatoni had some tactical reason for using Doyle and Cox together.