Jonas Olsson reassured despite Albion axe

Irvine preferred summer signing Joleon Lescott for yesterday's 1-0 win at Tottenham with Olsson left at home after mistakes in the defeats to Swansea and Everton cost his side early goals.

Lescott responded with a commanding Baggies debut as James Morrison's goal gave Albion a first Premier League win of the season to ease the pressure on Irvine.

But the Scot insisted Olsson still has a major role to play.

"Jonas wasn't injured," said Irvine. "I spoke to him on Saturday and told him what my intentions were.

"That wasn't easy because I have a lot of respect for Jonas. He's a top professional and a very good player.

"But he knows that he made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes in the last couple of games that have been costly.

"For the first time I've had a full range of options available this week and that makes your life more difficult in some ways.

"I had some big decisions to make and I had to look people in the eye to tell them why I was making those decisions.

"That's not easy but it's part of my job. Jonas will remain a very important member of our squad."

Lescott excelled in his delayed debut after a frustrating start to a Baggies career blighted so far by injury.

The former Wolves and England man formed an impressive pairing at the heart of defence with Craig Dawson.

"We would have taken a big risk had we put Joleon in when he wasn't ready," said Irvine.

"He had two weeks of training without feeling any twinges. We felt this was the right opportunity to put him in and he played very well."

"It's terrific if you're a young centre-back like Craig and you're playing alongside somebody who has vast experience and somebody who can talk you through the game.

"Craig has also played with Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley but another experienced centre-back can only help."