2013 AFCON: WBA boss prepares for Odemwingie’s replacement

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Team Manager of West Bromwich Albion, Steve Clarke appears to be unfazed by potential loss of DR Congo forward, Youssouf Mulumbu and Nigerian Striker Peter Odemwingie in January, 2013 when the duo could be on national duties at the African Cup of Nations.

Steve Clarke is confident he has the squad to cope with the potential loss of Mulumbu and Odemwingie to African Nations Cup duty. 

Both players’ respective countries - DR Congo and Nigeria booked their places at the South Africa finals thanks to comfortable aggregate wins last weekend. 

Should the pair earn call-ups they will leave The Hawthorns ahead of the tournament, which takes place between January 19 and February 10. 

Capable replacement

But Clarke believes he has other players in his squad capable of filling the void. 

-We spoke about it at the start of the season, said Clarke. 

-We knew we had the possibility of losing Youssouf if he decided to come out of international retirement, which he did. 

-I'm not really sure about Peter. He hasn't been called up to a Nigeria squad since I've been here. I don't know what his position is. 

-We discussed it and we think we have enough in the squad to cover any absences in January. 

Transfer window

-If not, it’s a good month for it because the transfer window is open again in January, and if you need to address the situation you can. 

-Many things can change between now and January, but as things stand we’re comfortable with the squad we’ve got.