West Brom boss Roy Hodgson issues 'hands off' Graham Dorrans warning

West Brom boss Roy Hodgson has told Graham Dorrans he still has a big future at the Hawthorns after dismissing speculation he could be on his way.

The 24-year-old Scot, who has suffered a frustrating 18-month spell, has been linked with a move to his boyhood club Glasgow Rangers, in a potential swap deal involving Ibrox striker Nikica Jelavic.

But the rumours were rubbished by the Baggies head coach, who insisted the talented midfielder was going nowhere.

Dorrans' exciting career was brought to a standstill last season by personal problems and injuries, but Hodgson has made it clear that he still has huge faith in the Scot's ability to be a success in the top flight.

He said: "Graham has missed a lot of football since he helped West Brom come up and that has been unfortunate for him.

"But I believe in him very much. I think he has an important part to play. The speculation with Rangers is precisely that – speculation.

"We have had no contact with any other club and we've got no interest in any."

West Brom are working on a deal to recruit "the next Dorrans" having now confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Dundee United for the January transfer of another Scottish midfield prospect, Scott Allan.

But the Baggies are mindful of the rival attentions of both Rangers and Celtic, which has left Allan weighing up the attraction of immediate Scottish Premier League football.