Olsson to shake off yellow cards

New Albion defender Jonas Olsson says he has mended his ways after shaking off his reputation for collecting yellow cards.

Olsson became known for regular bookings as a youngster in his homeland of Sweden. But the 25-year-old Baggies new boy says he has matured with Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. "Part of my game is being physical," said Olsson. "Over the last few years I've matured as a player. When I was In Sweden I got a lot of stupid yellow cards, sometimes through immature play.

"The mentality of just going for things has always been in me but I think I've learned to channel that now and I think it's a good quality.

"I'm a defender who likes to get on the ball and be part of the build up. I'm a pretty good header of the ball."

And Olsson has thanked the Baggies for helping him fulfill his boyhood dream of making the move to the Premier League.

"Most Swedish players are focusing on getting to the Premier League," he said.

"I think that's a dream for most Swedish players.

"I'm grateful to be here and I'm going to do everything in my power to make the best of it.

"There was a lot of interest in the spring and also during pre-season, which made it a little bit difficult to focus.

"It was great when West Brom finally came in.

"In Sweden you grow up watching English football on TV and it's been a dream to play in England since I was little. I know this is a club with a great history.

"It's a big honour to sign for West Brom and they have already made some great signings with Scott Carson and Gianni Zuiverloon."

And Olsson is looking forward to lining up alongside Zuiverloon and another Dutchman, new signing Ryan Donk.

It will represent a role reversal for Olsson, who is used to playing against the Dutch duo in domestic football in Holland.

"I don't know them very well but they are both good players and I've played against a few times," said Olsson. I know Gianni has been doing very well in his first games here and did very well at the Olympics."