Club News

Olsson: 'Biggest games of my career'

And Baggies defender feels in good shape heading into World Cup play-off

JONAS Olsson believes he is heading into the ‘biggest games of his career’ in good form.

The Sweden centre-half has been key to tenth-placed Albion’s impressive defensive displays this term.

He is now relishing taking on Ronaldo’s Portugal over two legs in a play-off for a place in Brazil next summer.

The Swedes travel to Lisbon on Friday with the return match in Solna on Tuesday as Olsson looks to fulfil his dream of playing at a World Cup Finals.

“I am looking forward to it,” he said.

“I feel in good shape and hopefully I can get some minutes on the pitch.

“The World Cup is not something that you want to miss, so these are two big games.

“I think they’re the biggest games of my career so hopefully I can play my part and help us qualify.

“It is a big tie to look forward to. 

"My head has been with West Brom until now but now I can start focusing on Portugal and what is a really good game.

“It is every player’s dream to play in a World Cup, but to play in a World Cup in Brazil would be even more special.

“It would be a massive thing for Swedish football if we can qualify, which makes these games really big.”

Olsson has already faced some stiff opposition this term, picking up points against Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, with only Liverpool coming out on top.

And he is looking forward to kicking on with Steve Clarke’s men after international duty.

“We have shown this season we can play well against the top teams,” he added.

“We’ve played good games against Arsenal and Manchester United and apart from Liverpool we’ve done very well against the top teams.

“Hopefully we can keep this up and have a really good season.

“Liverpool was the biggest let-down of the season, but apart from that we’ve played some really good games.

“I think we have a good squad and play good football and I don’t think we’ve got the points we deserve so far.

“But points will come. 

“We are mid-table at the moment but I think we’re doing fine and we will get some more points on the board.

“We need to close games out and I thought we did enough to close out Saturday’s game but it wasn’t to be.”