West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has explained holding back Zoltan Gera during the derby win over Aston Villa.

Gera made the Baggies bench after seeing his first action in five months in Tuesday's 3-1 reserves win over Arsenal.

But Hodgson insisted the opportunity did not present itself to hand the Hungary international what would have been an emotional second Albion debut after rejoining the club in the summer.

"If we'd have taken one of those many opportunities and half-chances to go 3-1 up, especially on the counter-attack during the latter part of the game, I think I would have put him on," he told the WBA website.

"But at 2-1, we were playing well and everyone was settled, and I was more keen to come away with three points than give Zoltan a few minutes.

"He'll have lots of chances and opportunities - it's just nice to see him back."