The Baggies have lost all three games to date against Manchester United, Chelsea and Stoke ahead of Sunday's clash with Norwich at Carrow Road. Hodgson knows it is important to get off the mark sooner rather than later, but he has been pleased with his side's general performances. He said: "We've got to make certain we keep ourselves on an even keel. "We've got to make sure we don't start getting too carried away by the fact it has been a bad start in terms of the points we've got on the board. "Losing the Stoke game like we did (a last minute goal) on the back of our other two matches, means it is a bad start to the season. "I've not been particularly unhappy with the way the team has played but of course we've got no points to show for our efforts. "One hopes we will continue to play in the games at the right level and that it will bring results. That's all you can hope for. "In general, we are ready to kick on again and face up to the next batch of games we have - and hopefully start getting some points on the board." Hodgson is not reading anything too deep into Albion surrendering late goals. He said: "It hasn't been because we have been tiring in the latter stages of matches. "In fact, certainly against Manchester United and Stoke, we were looking quite strong in the latter stages and conceded, if anything, against the run of play. "The actual timing of the goals is one of those things that happen in football. There is no particular reason for it. "Goals are scored early and late and sometimes you can make a big mistake trying to read something into it which actually isn't there." Hodgson has been impressed by Craig Dawson who is in contention after scoring twice on his debut for the England Under-21s against Azerbaijan at Vicarage Road. Dawson was on loan at Rochdale last season but has quickly made an impression with Hodgson who wants to keep him involved at West Brom rather than loan him out for a second spell. Hodgson said: "Craig had a good season last year with Rochdale so, even before he arrived back here, and before I'd seen him play to or worked with him, clubs were asking if we would loan him out again. "The answer then was no. We wanted to see him and work with him and that remains the case, and perhaps even more so the case now I have worked with him and have seen him play." Peter Odemwingie and fellow striker Shane Long are in contention to start together for the first time after recovering from ankle and calf injuries respectively.
