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West Brom boss Roy Hodgson believes the abuse he and Blackburn boss Steve Kean have received "makes you stronger'' as he prepares for the vital Barclays Premier League clash.

Kean has been public enemy number one with some Rovers fans for a large part of the season, while Hodgson experienced a similar scenario when in charge of Liverpool before being sacked 15 months ago.

But Rovers are still in contention to avoid relegation ahead of Saturday's meeting at The Hawthorns, while the Baggies need to halt a run of four games without a win after appearing safe from the drop a month ago.

Hodgson said: "I've been very impressed with Steve Kean because it is not easy when everything seems to be going against you and you are facing demonstrations.

"It is not easy each game when you are hearing your name being shouted in a derogatory way. It is not easy to put all that aside and keep your concentration and focus where it needs to be.

"If they survive this season, it will make him and the club a lot stronger and I'm sure he will get all the credit he deserves for conducting himself so well in difficult circumstances.

"I experienced something similar recently at Liverpool where we weren't doing very well and the crowd were clearly displeased with my appointment and the way things were going at the club.

"I think it makes you stronger. It certainly tests you out, it tests your powers of diplomacy and your powers of patience and tolerance in the face of very unpleasant questioning or unpleasant chanting.''

The Baggies will again only have 19 fit players, including two goalkeepers, to choose from for the Rovers clash.

Winger Jerome Thomas remains sidelined with a knee problem which kept him out of the defeat at Everton last weekend.

Midfielders Zoltan Gera and James Morrison (both knee) and right-back Steven Reid (foot) are long-term absentees.

Meanwhile, Kean is not surprised that former Rovers midfielder Keith Andrews has had such an impact at West Brom.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder left Ewood Park in January after feeling that his "face didn't fit'' at Blackburn, and criticised Kean for bowing to pressure from fans who had targeted him.

Andrews lost no time in becoming an important part of Roy Hodgson's set-up at the Hawthorns and has played a key role in the Baggies' rise to the verge of top-flight safety.

Kean insisted, however, that he does rate the 31-year-old, who had earlier gone on loan to Ipswich rather that stay at Blackburn.

He said: "It no surprise to me that he has done well as I have a lot of admiration for Keith.

"He made it clear when he came back from his loan spell at Ipswich that he wanted to move on.

"I'm delighted for him. He's an international player and I thought he was their best players against Everton last week.''

Kean has a full squad to choose from after French defender Gael Givet returned from a hamstring strain.