West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson denies fitness concerns for Peter Odemwingie.

Hodgson has rubbished reports in the African media that Odemwingie needs an ankle operation.

"There is no question of an operation for Peter," Hodgson told the WBA website.

"Our doctor, Mark Gillett, has a very good relationship with Peter and whenever he has a poor game, he looks to his ankle a little bit. That's what he's been doing ever since I've been at the club.

"Whenever things aren't going his way, and he's not in top form, he looks at his ankle. I don't know what happened in the Nigeria game but I do know they didn't qualify, which must be a disaster for a country of Nigeria's status.

"For one of the top five countries in Africa not to qualify must be a big blow. I would imagine the criticism at the moment there must be enormous, and I'm sure Peter once again has looked to his ankle.

"But there is no question of him needing an operation."