West Bromwich Albion are assessing their coaching staff after losing Michael Appleton to Portsmouth.

Sporting & Technical Director Ashworth says he will sit down with the head coach Roy Hodgson later next week to decide on a way forward.

"Michael's situation has been going on for five or six days now so I've had chance to have a quick chat with Roy," he told the WBA website.

"We've got some really good existing staff here who, certainly for the short term, we will juggle around and then look at various options.

"If Roy wants to bring somebody else in, no problem. We've had that conversation.

"Over the international break, both Roy and I will be going away to watch some games so we will pick it up with Keith (Downing) and Dean (Kiely) towards the end of next week, when we're both back, and have a further chat.

"Keith is very much key to this. He is very highly thought of and he will be a key part of everything going forward.

"These last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind but if we need to bring somebody else in, we will be able to. No problem.

"We've already been discussing both possibilities - whether we do or don't bring anybody in - and as a club we're open to both.

"Regarding Roy, he is very hands on, anyway. He gets out and takes all of the coaching.

"You get different sorts of managers and head coaches. Some get out on the training pitch, some don't.

"Roy tends to take on the majority of the coaching work."