Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews has thanked Roy Hodgson for the impact he made on West Bromwich Albion.

Hodgson left the Baggies at the end of the season to take over as the new England manager ahead of Euro 2012, after securing the Midlands outfit 10th place in the Premier League. Albion's Keith Andrews believes that Hodgson has done a great job in establishing the club as a Premier League team.

"I am delighted for him personally, but selfishly probably, the players at West Brom were disappointed he left," said Andrews.

"He has been fantastic for the club. He has really established it into a proper Premier League football club, whereas in years gone past it's had that label of a yo-yo club.

"But now even with the calibre of applicants for the job, it shows what a good job he has done. People will be applying now thinking it's a stepping stone maybe to bigger and better things."

Hodgson takes charge of his first game for the national side when England travel to Norway on Saturday.