West Bromwich Albion defender Liam Ridgewell insists manager Roy Hodgson could handle the Liverpool job.

Hodgson's stock is soaring again ahead of his return to Anfield today - 16 months after cynics said he was out of his depth managing the Kop's A-listers.

But Ridgewell scoffed: "The idea the gaffer can't handle big players is just rubbish.

"We've got big players, we've got Ben Foster, we've got Peter Odemwingie and he's handled them fine."

Ridgewell's only concern about Hodgson is the FA may fancy appointing a manager with his experience.

He added: "I've definitely joined the Harry Redknapp for England club!

"I certainly don't want the gaffer to be going anywhere. I'm sure he'd want to do it. But while I'm here, hopefully not!"