Olsson tips McAuley to shine

Published Jul. 24, 2011 9:15 p.m. ET

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Olsson, Albion's first-choice centre-back, could well be partnered with Northern Ireland captain McAuley in the opening game of the season, which sees Manchester United arrive at The Hawthorns. McAuley joined the Baggies on a free transfer from Ipswich Town, and at 30 has plenty of experience under his belt, which Olsson believes can only be a positive for Roy Hodgson's troops. The giant centre-back told the Express and Star: "His age is a strength. "When you're 30 years old and you're finally getting a go at it you want to prove that you're worth your chance. "So I see that as a positive thing. He's got experience of playing against good players in big international games so it is a level he has played at before in terms of opponents."