Roy Hodgson says he's delighted to see the progress being made at the Hawthorns

Roy Hodgson says he is delighted to see the progress being made at his former club West Bromwich Albion.

The England boss was in charge of the Baggies for just over a year before taking the hot seat at Wembley Stadium in May.

His void at the Hawthorns was filled in the summer by 49-year-old Steve Clarke, who has been enjoying the start to the campaign – his first as a full-time manager.

And after 12 Premier League games so far this season, victories over the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton have carried the Throstles up to fourth spot in the table.

Hodgson looked back fondly on his spell at the club as he spoke live on TalkSPORT on Thursday afternoon.

“I enjoyed working with the club and with the players, they were tremendously responsive,” said Hodgson. “During that time we made some strides forward.

“But I’m delighted that the club has continued to go even further forward. Steve has taken a team over that was certainly a capable team and he’s making them even better.

“I always thought that would happen.”

Hodgson also had praise for Irish striker Shane Long, who he signed for West Brom from Reading last year.

The 25-year-old netted eight times last season under Hodgson and has begun this term in sparkling form, already scoring six, including one against Chelsea last weekend.

“Shane Long, for example, had quite a good first season, but I always thought he’d have a better second, third, fourth and fifth,” said Hodgson.

“Coming late into the game as he did, and coming from a Championship team, it was always going to take him a bit of time to truly show the qualities that I know he’s got.”

He continued. “[Youssouf] Mulumbu is another one who seems to be growing in strength day by day.

“The addition of Claudio Yakob was a very good signing, in my opinion, as he's given a bit of freedom to the attacking minded players.

“He’s a good sitting midfield player as he covers up the gaps which the attacking players leave behind.”

Roy Hodgson's England meet Brazil at Wembley Stadium on 6 February and tickets will go on sale in December, so keep coming back here or follow @FA on Twitter to make sure you don't miss out...