Osaze Odemwingie’s hat-trick against Wolves ruined Mick McCarthy but built bridges with his own manager Roy Hodgson.
West Brom striker Odemwingie had a disagreement with Hodgson, 64, earlier in the season, with the boss unhappy at the number of injuries the player was suffering.
But Odemwingie insists all that is forgotten and the relationship is now solid.
He said, “We are fine. And, if we weren’t, I would have been talking about leaving. He is an elderly person and in my country we always respect our elders.
“Sometimes I felt it was a bit harsh and I said that to him, but he said I shouldn’t take it in a bad way. He said he was frustrated that I wasn’t available and that was it.
“I’m very happy I could put aside all of those bad feelings and now I can relax more and have confidence in myself and the team.”
Hodgson has been linked to the England job and will have talks over a new contract in the summer, but Odemwingie hopes he stays.
“He has had success here and he has already built relationships with people in the club so he would be welcome,” said Odemwingie.
“When someone new comes in you have to start from the beginning, so if we can all get what we’re looking for this year then why change when things are going fine?
“I hope he stays, of course.”
West Brom’s win moved them eight points clear of the bottom three and Odemwingie, who now has seven league goals, feels the gap has all but guaranteed the team’s safety.
He said, “All of that pressure was taken off our shoulders and we are more sure of our place next season.
“I wouldn’t say the gap is what makes me confident. What makes me confident is every time we lose games at home we go away and get three points against good teams.”
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