Jonas Olsson: Keep calm and carry on backing Salomon Rondon

Record signing Salomon Rondon has been backed to come through his struggles and become a major player for Albion.

The 26-year-old has netted only four times for the Baggies since his £12million move from Zenit St Petersburg last summer.

After he was taken off in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Villa, boss Tony Pulis claimed Rondon had complained of feeling 'tired' and hinted it may be time he gave the hitman a break from action.

The head coach's belief the Venezuelan is still adapting to Premier League pace has been echoed by defender Jonas Olsson, who reckons it could be next season when the Baggies see Rondon at his best.

"I know myself from coming here from a league abroad that it takes some time to adapt to this league, because it is very different from any other league," said Olsson, who joined from NEC Nijmegen in 2008.

"I know he came from Russia but wherever you come from and you come to the Premier League, it's quite different.

"He's been having a good season, players from abroad normally want to settle in a bit socially and with the football. Normally you have a better second season, regardless of your first."

Rondon's goal in last week's FA Cup third round replay at Bristol City was his first since October and he later admitted the price tag has weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Pulis revealed the striker had undergone blood tests after complaining of fatigue but, according to Olsson, Rondon has looked strong in training.

"He looked very sharp," added the defender. "He is a very strong guy, and I think he's been doing really well since he came."

The Villa game came after Albion had played three straight away games and Olsson added: "We've played tough games the last few games.

"We played Chelsea, the champions away, Southampton away from home. To regroup and beat Bristol City at their home, it's not easy. On top of that we had the derby game."