Hodgson hopeful over Dorrans

Published Apr. 13, 2011 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Dorrans has been sidelined for six weeks after picking up the problem in training but is making good progress and is back running. Hodgson told Albion's official website: "Graham's making a lot of progress but we are deliberately taking it step by step. We don't want to see any regression. "Every time the doctor speaks to me about him, he speaks very positively. We were never seriously targeting a return for the Chelsea game (on Saturday) but he's still on track at the moment. "In Dorrans we have a very, very talented player who could be an ace up the sleeve if we need him towards the end of the season." Meanwhile, Baggies youngster Sam Mantom has signed a new two-year deal with a further year's option in the club's favour. The 19-year-old midfielder made his first-team debut in the Carling Cup win over Leyton Orient earlier this season and has also had spells on loan at Tranmere and Oldham.