Roy Hodgson working to plug leaks

Leading scorer Peter Odemwingie has revealed how new boss Roy Hodgson has already made his mark at Albion - by focusing on their leaky defence.

The Baggies striker told of how the squad were subjected to an intense workout yesterday, as they stepped up preparations for Sunday's Black Country derby showdown with Wolves.

And stemming the flow of goals past goalkeeper Boaz Myhill was the focus of the session, according to Odemwingie.

The Nigeria international sat out training yesterday as he completed strengthening work after a series of niggling injuries.

But he said: "From what I heard, the two training sessions were very interesting and yesterday's was very intensive.

'The guys came back tired and it was a long session. Jonas Olsson was saying how the new manager was explaining new things to the defence.

"It was something new about how he wants us to defend a certain situation and, with the way Jonas was talking, he must have learned something new.

"Everyone was talking about tactical discipline and specific roles and being organised. They were the things that were going around and I am looking forward to seeing it in practice.

"In the last few games we scored, but we conceded as well so hopefully we can keep the scoring but not concede as much."

Odemwingie admitted the players had to work hard to impress the new boss in the build-up to Sunday's meeting with Wolves.

He said: "The boys were a little bit tired but not with negative faces, because they knew the derby was coming and the new manager was there.

"You have to make a good first impression on him - that's very important - and of course we are preparing for a derby so we have to prepare ourselves well, especially after having a couple of days off.

"That is why everyone is concentrating hard. It is usual that when there's a new coach everyone has to fight for his position.

"You have to show him the quality you have and what you can do so you can be used to be as effective as possible."

Albion's defence is the leakiest in the Premier League after Saturday's 3-3 draw with West Ham.

The Baggies have conceded at least twice in their last 10 Premier League outings.