Hodgson admits any regrets about how his spell with the Reds worked out were soon put to one side after Albion sought his services as a replacement for Roberto Di Matteo in February. The Baggies head coach helped his side triumph 2-1 over Liverpool at The Hawthorns at the tail-end of last season and he will look to repeat that success in this evening's encounter. But the 64-year-old has nothing but praise for the Merseysiders, despite what happened during his time at Anfield. Hodgson said: "I was very happy to get the job there. I was disappointed that it didn't work out and I wasn't given more time there. "But it didn't happen and I accept the situation and I have no regrets about taking the job. "I have nothing but good to say about Liverpool Football Club. "It is one of the great clubs in the world and it was good to work with - although I will always wish I was given a bit more time to try to turn things around like Kenny (Dalglish) has now been able to do." Hodgson added: "Every manager who has left a club or lost a job could look and say 'what if' or 'if only'. "I accepted the time I was there and I was more concerned that it would impact on the people who worked with me and were loyal to me. "Luckily that hasn't happened too much and I have worked hard to make certain I don't dwell on that side of things. "Being able to come here and get involved with West Bromwich Albion, which is a good club and where I am enjoying working, has perhaps helped me in that respect. "Perhaps if I had been sitting at home for the last nine or 10 months reading newspapers or watching TV, maybe then I would have been guilty of thinking 'what if'. "But most of my 'what ifs' at the moment involve West Bromwich Albion Football Club and not clubs where I have worked in the past." Hodgson will be without striker Shane Long after his knee setback against Aston Villa. although the Republic of Ireland have included him in their Euro 2012 play-off squad to face Estonia in two weeks. Somen Tchoyi and Simon Cox will be vying to replace Long and partner Peter Odemwingie upfront.
