Steve Clarke admits the 'impetus' Osaze Odemwingie injected into Albion's play in Saturday's narrow 1-0 defeat at Chelsea is why he remains a key member of the squad.
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The Nigeria international came on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Marc-Antoine Fortune and he proved a constant threat to a Blues defence the Baggies had rarely troubled before his introduction.
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Only a flying finger-tip save from Petr Cech denied him an equaliser from a stunning 30-yard free-kick seven minutes from time.
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"The Peter Odemwingie saga is over for us," said Clarke.
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"Peter is an important part of the squad.
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"He showed the fresh impetus he can give us coming into the game.
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"He's a key member of our squad and has a big part to play for the rest of the season.
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"Everyone wants to speak and speak and speak about Peter.
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"For us we closed the door on the matter a couple of weeks ago and I wish you guys [media] would do the same."
Yes, Osaze is still a good player. He still deserves a call up in the Super Eagles team.