Jonas Olsson insists West Brom have got what it takes to survive

Mar 26 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post

Jonas Olsson carries the reminders of the relegation dogfight at the moment but the West Bromwich Albion defender would welcome more stitches if it means escaping from the bottom three.

The Swedish defender had six stitches inserted in his lower lip after it was split open by Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns.

It has made life uncomfortable for the 6ft 4in centre back but Olsson is philosophical about the bumps and bruises of Premier League football.

Olsson was criticised for a heavy challenge on West Ham United keeper Robert Green the week before that left Green with a bloodied mouth, se he has no complaints when the boot is on the other foot – or the elbow is in the other mouth.

“I have been eating ice cream for three days,” said Olsson.

“I have had six stitches and it has made eating and talking interesting. I think it was unintentional from Davies. It is uncomfortable but it is healing.

“I have broken my nose twice and I don’t want to imagine what I will look like at the end of my career.

“But it is a contact sport and you take the knocks. It is part of the game. I gave one out in the West Ham game and now I have had one back.

“You give a few away and you get a few back. It is how it should be.”

Olsson is prepared to continue to put his body on the line if it means Albion can claw back the seven-point gap to safety and pull off a remarkable great escape. The Baggies have been all but written off after their current run of ten games without a win but Olsson says the squad still believe they can prove the critics wrong.

“I can see why people say we can’t but I still genuinely believe we have a really good chance,” Olsson said. “Within the club and in the changing room, we genuinely all believe we can do it.