Strikers praised

But concerns were dispelled as both Paul Hopkins and Kyle Lafferty celebrated their home debuts with the goals in a 2-1 win over Peterborough United.

Hopkins tapped in from close range after Posh keeper Mark Tyler flapped at Carlos Logan.

And, with just two minutes remaining, Lafferty claimed his second goal in as many games with a confident finish.

"I was concerned for them because they weren't performing," said Hodgson.

"The players around them weren't helping them out and in front of our home fans for the first time I was worried that first impressions weren't going to be good. Last week we saw them do very well and expectations were high. They did very well in the second half and linked up better because they had players within the vicinity of each other."

Both players joined on month-long loans, although Hopkins arrived from Everton with a view to permanent transfer.

After seeing the Liverpool-born teenager open his account for the club, Hodgson said: "Paul's scored a real poacher's goal, which reminded me of Peter Duffield."

Lafferty, on-loan from Burnley, maintained his 100 per-cent scoring record, having netted on his debut at Notts County.

"The goal Kyle scored was a goalscorers goal," said Hodgson. "He had composure on the ball and stroked it away like he did last week."

Hodgson also singled out goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for praise. The 19-year-old has joined Quakers on a week-to-week loan basis from Manchester City.

While first-choice stopper Sam Russell is scheduled for a first-team return next week, Hodgson has not ruled out the possibility of keeping Schmeichel.

"What we got from Kasper is what we knew we would get," said Hodgson. "He talks, he can deal with crosses, his kicking is good and he is composed.

"If Kasper is absolutely magnificent then, even if Sam is fit, then there won't be any reason to change.''

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