Alan Irvine: 'Jonas Olsson can play into his 40s'

West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine believes that Jonas Olsson can play on into his 40s.

The Swedish centre-back will turn 32 in March, but the Albion boss thinks that the defender still has plenty to offer, and the Scot praised Olsson for his professionalism.

He told the club's official website: "He is a really good trainer and I think that centre-backs can play until a really good age. I worked with David Weir who played until he was 40.

"I don't see a reason why Jonas Olsson can't play until he's 40 because as a mature experienced centre-back you improve in terms of your positional sense even though you may lose a little bit of that explosive power you might have had as a younger player.

"If he wants to continue I don't see any reason why he couldn't keep on doing that. He's certainly a player I think has a big part to play. I think time will show that is possible."

Olsson has recently been linked with a move to Aston Villa.