Gareth McAuley can use age as a strength for Albion

Jonas Olsson today claimed Albion new-boy Gareth McAuley can use his age as a strength as competition for centre-back places hots up at The Hawthorns.

McAuley is preparing for his first ever crack at the Premier League at the age of 30 after joining the Baggies on a free transfer from Ipswich this summer.

But Olsson, who is likely to be Albion's No.1 centre-back in the coming season, believes the Northern Ireland captain's wait for a chance in the top-flight is a benefit rather than a cause for concern.

"His age is a strength," said Olsson. "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."