Tim Sherwood is playing a waiting game with West Brom preparing to decide on their new head coach.

The former Tottenham boss has held detailed talks with the Baggies to replace Alan Irvine, who was dismissed on Monday.

Sherwood was previously interviewed for The Hawthorns hotseat in the summer before the Baggies appointed Irvine in June and the Scot has lasted just six months after four wins in 19 Barclays Premier League games.

Tony Pulis, the former Crystal Palace and Stoke manager, is also keen on the role and Sherwood believes it is a two-horse race, Press Association Sport understands.

And the 45-year-old is now waiting to discover whether he has landed the role.

He has been out of work since leaving White Hart Lane at the end of last season after just five months in charge of Spurs.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in Sherwood's previous talks with West Brom was Les Ferdinand's salary, with him keen on bringing the former England striker to The Hawthorns as part of his backroom staff.

Ferdinand worked with Sherwood at Tottenham along with Chris Ramsey, who would have also joined them at the Baggies.

But with Ferdinand and Ramsey now both working at QPR, Sherwood may be a cheaper option than before.

West Brom are hoping to appoint Irvine's replacement before Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with Gateshead at The Hawthorns.

Assistant head coach Rob Kelly will be in charge for Thursday's trip to West Ham with the Baggies 16th, a point above the relegation zone.

They have lost seven of their last nine games but Kelly has backed them to survive ahead of their clash at Upton Park.

"Yes, absolutely," he said, when asked if the Baggies could beat the drop.

"I work with them every day. I see them, I see the qualities they've got. They're good players.

"I have good staff here, that Alan put together. A good group of players. It's not me picking the team, me taking training, it's a group effort – it's all of us. I won't look too far ahead.

"Collectively we will move it forward. We will be organized, committed, competitive. We will do our best to get a result."