Hostile reception predicted for Harry Redknapp following QPR bids for West Brom players

QPR play West Brom in an FA Cup replay following moves for Jonas Olsson and Peter Odemwingie

QPR manager Harry Redknapp may face a hostile reception during tonight's FA Cup replay at West Brom with Baggies number two Kevin Keen admitting fans “might not be happy” after the recent bids for Jonas Olsson and Peter Odemwingie.

Redknapp had a £5million bid rejected for central defender Olsson while an offer of around £2million for striker Odemwingie was also turned down by the midlands club.

Albion head coach Steve Clarke has no problem with clubs wanting to sign his players if they adhere to the correct procedures even though he insists they are not for sale during January.

But when Keen was asked if The Hawthorns replay had become bigger because of the transfer bids, he said: "That's what happens in football. The supporters might not be happy.

"But I'm sure they will give the team their full support whatever happens.

"Peter and Jonas are two experienced players who have been here a long time and they will go out and do their best for West Brom.

"I'm sure the fans will support them just as strongly."

Keen is full of respect for Redknapp's achievements in the game and played under him when he was number two at West Ham two decades ago.

He said: "He was assistant to Billy Bonds in 1992-93 when West Ham got promoted to the Premier League.

"He was full of life and energy, very funny and knowledgeable. As much as anything, his enthusiasm transfers to the players.

"There is an enthusiasm and a buzz and an energy about him. I think he is very well respected as a football coach within the game.

"He does have that media personality as a Cockney chappy who can reel out lines. But as a football coach and a manager he is up there in the last 10 years as one of the best there has been."

Keen admits Albion's 3-2 weekend defeat at Reading, after leading 2-0 with eight minutes remaining, will act as a spur to tonight's game and the weekend derby against Aston Villa.

He said: "It has motivated the players more. The feeling in the meeting about Saturday's game was that things happen.

"We focused on the positives but we're going to use it as a positive in invigorate us and make us kick on.

"We want to use it as a motivating factor because we were extremely disappointed with the result.

"The meeting we had, when Steve showed a few of the clips from Saturday, was a bit of a cleansing experience and we know that it's gone.

"We played really well for 82 minutes and things like the last eight minutes happen in the Premier League.

"We will be going out tonight and on Saturday and hopefully using it as a motivator for the next two games, which are two great home games to have."

PA