Olsson pushing for first team spot

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has seen enough recently in Swedish defender Martin Olsson to suggest that he is in line for a run at the first team.

Olsson has been the butt of many jokes for a while now as his previously hapless displays have left him looking a tad useless.

But amazingly Martin turned in a very good show in the recent FA Cup game at Villa and that, along with some good showings in training have left Sam with some decisions to make regards the young man.

Allardyce, speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph said - "I don`t think Martin has got any problems from being a very, very good left back. I think the defensive side of his game has improved dramatically this year and that is what has put him in contention for most of the cup games we have had.

"And he is putting himself in a real good position to challenge the rest of the players here. Aston Villa was the best performance we have had from him this season, without a doubt, playing against Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

"It was a big test and when we went to a back three, he went to wing back and showed more of his attacking qualities, which we know he has definitely had since he has been with us.

"He is marrying the both together very, very well now and long may it continue and if it does he will be pushing and knocking on the first team door very, very quickly.'

Martin Olsson? Good? No I didn't see this coming either!

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