Keen: Redknapp set for hostile reception

QPR manager Harry Redknapp may face a hostile reception during Tuesday night'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."

He added: "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."

Meanwhile, midfielder Claudio Yacob could be fit for the weekend derby against Aston Villa as he nears a return following six weeks out injured.

The Argentina international has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since the Barclays Premier League clash with Stoke at the Hawthorns on December 1.

Strikers Shane Long (dead leg) and Marc-Antoine Fortune (hamstring) could also return to face Villa.