West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson says Shane Long's injury offers Simon Cox a great chance.

Hodgson admits it is an opportunity for Cox, who has yet to make a Barclays Premier League start this term, to further push his claims for both club and country.

"Of course Ireland need Shane because they have doubts about Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle is suspended," the Albion chief told the WBA website.

"So it's a blow for them and a big blow to Shane because he is a very patriotic Irishman who was looking forward to helping his team get to the European finals.

"It looks like they can fill the gap and maybe our Simon Cox can help them.

"This also pushes Cox nearer our starting XI.

"He's been involved in every squad so far but with him, Odemwingie, Long and Tchoyi we have four strikers competing for two places, so he's not had much of a look in.

"But with Long out it brings him much closer and, furthermore, I must say his training has been very good.

"His desire and enthusiasm has also been there and, when he gets his chance, I'm sure he'll be ready to take it.

"So it's important for us that he maintains his level because there is also the Ireland game coming up and he looks like he will be the major influence, along with Jonathan Walters - certainly if Keane doesn't recover."