Peter Odemwingie wants to ensure West Bromwich Albion are in a good position on the table when he departs for the African Cup of Nations.
The 31-year old striker is likely to join the Nigerian team for the tournament in South Africa which kicks off on January 19 but he is confident the club will be capable without his services for a few weeks.
"I want to be going there in the new year with West Brom high in the table, which would help me emotionally," he told BBC West Midlands.
"Of course I will miss a couple of weeks of action here but I believe we have a squad that can hold on to the good start we have had."
