Roberto Di Matteo is to renew his efforts to convince a World Cup-bound Robert Koren to stick with the Baggies.

Koren, who has lost his starting role under Di Matteo this season, has hinted at a January move in pursuit of the first-team football he wants to cement his place in the Slovenian national team. That pressure has grown now that Slovenia, captained by Koren, reached next summer’s World Cup thanks to an away-goals victory over Russia this week,

Di Matteo insists he has nothing but a high regard for Koren, one of the first names on his predecessor Tony Mowbray’s team sheet, but acknowledges the 29-year-old will be desperate for first-team football in central midfield – his favourite position.

But urging Koren to remain patient Di Matteo said: “I think he’s a great player. It’s a great achievement for him and his nation to reach the World Cup.

“I’ve always liked him but we have a lot of players in his department and I can only put 11 players on the pitch.

“He’s part of it and he’s been involved a lot, probably not in his favourite position.

“But we are overloaded and needed to find a balance to the side.

“Robert will get a chance to play because he is still a vital member of the squad.

“I understand he will want regular football and I understand his position but he’s intelligent enough to understand my position.”

Di Matteo will have fresh talks with Koren and his fellow World Cup-bound Baggie, Marek Cech, who has also hinted at a move in the event of his remaining out of the first team for too long.

“That applies to Marek as well,” said Di Matteo, reminding both players: “It’s a long season.”

and players will get their chance.”

And the duo’s summer in South Africa has renewed the determination of team mate Jonas Olsson to fulfill his dream of international football with Sweden.

That’s how Albion defender Jonas Olsson is viewing the change of management in the Swedish national side.

“It is something that is in the back of my head and that motivates me to become a better player,” he said.