Jonas Olsson has World Cup dream

Albion defender Jonas Olsson has set his sights on the 2014 Brazil World Cup while preparing to cheer on his Hawthorns team-mates in South Africa.

The 27-year-old made his long-awaited Sweden debut last week in a one-goal win in Belarus.

Now Olsson is determined to help his nation qualify for the European Championships in two years and then make the World Cup in Brazil.

Baggies trio Marek Cech, Gonzalo Jara and Chris Wood are at the World Cup in South Africa, with Slovenia captain Robert Koren also still registered to the club despite his imminent release this summer.

Olsson said: "I'm going to follow my Albion team-mates at the World Cup on TV and I wish them all the best.

"Playing in the World Cup or the European Championships is something you want to be part of in your career.

"The next World Cup is in Brazil, so it would be awesome to be part of that. It's nice to join the ranks of international players at West Brom.

"It's always been a dream of mine to play for my country. There were two games last week. The first game was against Bosnia and I didn't play in that. But I went to Minsk and played against Belarus.

"I played 90 minutes, it was nice to get a win and a clean sheet is always good. Now I'm older I can deal with nerves - but playing for the national team is special.

"I've been dreaming about it all my career and you know you have to perform when you get the chance, otherwise you have other players knocking on the door behind you.

"I was a bit nervous but once I was on the field I felt pretty comfortable."

Olsson is already looking forward to reporting back to Albion for his second crack at the Premier League - after a well-earned break in his homeland.

He said: "I went back to Sweden with a smile on my face after winning promotion with West Brom.

"Then it was the build up to the internationals and making my debut. I haven't really relaxed until now and it will be nice to have a few weeks' break before we're back at it again.

"I'm already looking forward to next season."

The Hawthorns vice-captain is also looking forward to linking up in defence with new signing Pablo Ibanez.

Olsson said: "I know he's played a lot for the Spanish national team and he has been at Atletico Madrid for a number of years. If you grow up playing in the Spanish national team it is a good indication you're a good player.

"I'm looking forward to playing with him in the team. All good players are welcome and I like the added competition for places, because it makes you raise your game.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how the squad shapes up, seeing all the guys again - and all the new guys."