Head coach impressed by defenders
ALAN Irvine has praised Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson for their response to finding themselves out of Albion’s first-team.
The central defensive duo have been a mainstay of the Baggies defence since McAuley was paired up with Olsson during the 2011/12 season.
But the form of Joleon Lescott and Craig Dawson has left McAuley and Olsson, who joined the club back in 2008, needing to remain patient.
Baggies boss Irvine believes both players are primed for recalls if necessary.
He said: “They want to play and I would be bitterly disappointed if they didn't. One thing's for sure, they train really well.
“They are disappointed, they want to be in the team but they've been in this situation before - probably not for quite some time, but they have got to look at the way those two have played in two games when we have scored five and conceded none - and haven't looked like conceding too many either, which is really
pleasing.
“They need to do what any good professional would do and make sure they are ready for when their chance comes because one thing is for sure, it will come.
“There will be an injury, suspension or loss of form somewhere and if you are not ready to grab that chance then you'll find yourself - at least for a short while, back out again.
“As I would expect, they have trained extremely well.”