Jonas Olsson after a regular Albion place

West Brom defender Jonas Olsson wants to prove he can force his way into boss Tony Pulis' Christmas plans by retaining his place against West Ham this weekend.moreThe big Swede came in to the side against Arsenal for the suspended Gareth McAuley and impressed.

However, McAuley has forged a strong partnership alongside Jonny Evans this season and looks likely to regain his place for Sunday's game against West Ham.

Olsson said: "Gareth has done ever so well since he came to the club and he has done well this season. We will see how the gaffer sets up.

"What I do feel from experience is going into these games around Christmas, you need a squad of 20-25 players for this intense period.

"I'm sure I'll get some minutes, hopefully starting at the weekend, but it's down to the gaffer."

With left-back Chris Brunt suspended for this weekend's game at Upton Park there is a space going in defence.

However, the common feeling is that Pulis will either play winger James McClean or defender James Chester at left-back, instead of putting one of his big centre-halves there.

Olsson said: "You're always hoping to get minutes. I've been in and out of the team this season. It's something you have to accept but I thought I had a good game.

"Hopefully, I've strengthened my chances to start against West Ham."

The 32-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for Albion in seven years at the club.

He's had a lot of centre-back partners, in that time, but he reckons summer signing Jonny Evans is one of the best.

Olsson said: "It was my first full game with Jonny and I've only got praise for him. You can really see he's been playing at a top club - he's easy to play alongside."