Former West Brom manager and player Bryan Robson believes it is vital Roy Hodgson stays as the Baggies head coach but understands why he is viewed as a potential England candidate.

Hodgson has revived Albion's fortunes during his 15 months in charge and they are guaranteed a third successive year of Barclays Premier League football for the first time.

Robson, who masterminded Albion's 'Great Escape' from relegation six years ago when the club were bottom of the Premier League at Christmas, insists West Brom need to keep Hodgson to maintain their progress.

Robson said: "I think Albion would want to keep Roy. You need a consistent basis at the club and Roy has established that basis since he has gone in.

"They did well to climb out of the relegation area when he went in, steadied themselves in the league, and this year has been a good solid season for them.

"There is a good base there, and if you lose the manager, all of a sudden that might be difficult to replace."

But Robson, a member of the successful Albion side during the Ron Atkinson era, is unsurprised Hodgson is the subject of speculation linking him with England.