Tony Mowbray remains hopeful that West Bromwich Albion can keep hold of Sam Sodje, the maverick Nigeria international defender, until the end of the season.

Sodje, who scored Albion's equaliser during their 2-1 victory away to Norwich City two days ago, is on loan from Reading and is scheduled to return to his employers this week. However, the centre-back can remain at The Hawthorns for a second month if, as is likely, Reading approve.

Mowbray, the Albion manager, needs the player for his enthusiasm as much as his defensive ability. Albion are suffering a multitude of injury problems at the back and the possible departure of Sodje remains a concern.

With Curtis Davies ruled out until the end of the season because of a broken foot and Neil Clement unlikely to play at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday because of an ankle injury, Mowbray cannot afford to lose any more defenders.

That is why Sodje played through the pain barrier against Norwich on Monday, even though he was clearly suffering with a knee injury. He had limped off at half-time during the match at home to Stoke City last Saturday, which Albion lost 3-1, but made a swift recovery.

"Sam is injured," Mowbray said. "But his personality meant he did not want to come off on Saturday and he was desperate to start. You have got to trust your players. You can see he is carrying something.

"Every time he receives a big knock, he goes down because it is uncomfortable for him, but he is battling on."

Sodje has quickly become a popular figure at The Hawthorns. His joie de vivre and endearing attitude are just what Albion need at this crucial time. He is more than just a replacement for Davies.

The signs are good that Sodje will want to remain for the time being.

"The enquiry has been made to Reading and I am pretty sure the boy is happy to stay on," Mowbray said. "Generally, Sam's performance level has been very, very high.

"Neither of our first-choice centre halves are playing at the moment but we have still won.

"We are not sure if Clem will make it for Friday. He has still undergoing intensive treatment and it is not a question of rushing him back. We have hopefully got some big games still to play.

"If he is in doubt, then Sodje and Paul McShane have shown they can do a decent job."

Sodje was not surprised to have scored for Albion. He has acquired a reputation for scoring important goals - even if that reputation was forged for what he did in non-League football.

"West Brom won 2-1 and it doesn't matter who scored,"

Sodje said. "I've got those kind of finishes in my locker. I headed it first time but it didn't go in and I was lucky to get it back and have another go.

"I knew from the start of the game I was going to get chances because of the way they were marking and if I attacked the ball properly, I knew I'd get my head on some.

"I normally get double-figures every season. I'm used to scoring goals. I enjoy my football and I love celebrating goals.

"I'm also going to put my foot in, do anything for the manager and I will fight through pain.

"If I get bullied, I won't go home and start crying. It was hard [against Norwich] but the players and manager want it so bad and seeing that makes me want to put in even more.

"Albion's a massive club and you can't just come here and go through the motions. In the dressing room, it feels like I've been here all season and I'm loving it.

"I'm a fighter and I won't just go off because I've got a little niggle. I might be rubbish on Friday but I know I'll give 120 per cent. I'll do it for the cause and it's not about me, it's about the club.

"The manager is making me feel at home and I was so happy to score. I know how the fans feel, travelling a long way and sitting in the stands. That's why when we do well I make sure they realise we know they are there. They pay a lot of money to come and watch us."