MARKUS Olsson believes his impressive performances prove he can no longer be considered a Blackburn Rovers squad player.

But the Sweden international has no intention of easing off now he has made the left-back spot his to lose.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Olsson spent most of last season kicking his heels on the sidelines given the continued fine form of Tommy Spurr.

But, with Spurr still troubled by a groin injury that has ruled him out since the start of the campaign, the 26-year-old has certainly taken his chance to shine.

Olsson, handed a new one-year contract at the insistence of boss Gary Bowyer in the summer, has been nothing short of a revelation this season.

But, with Spurr attempting to get on the comeback trail and with Alex Baptiste, Adam Henley and Matt Kilgallon all capable of playing left back, he is not taking his place for granted.

“When the manager gave me a chance to sign with the club again I didn’t want to come back and feel relaxed, I wanted to come back and show him I signed because I wanted to play,” said Olsson.

“I didn’t want to be a squad player and that’s been my mentality all the time since I signed – to show that I’m not just going to be a squad player and that I want to be in the starting XI.

“I tried to show that in training and in pre-season, I got my chance and it’s gone well.

“But players are coming back now and the competition is very hard and very good.

“But it also makes me focus more.

“When Tommy comes back he’ll make other players in the defensive line stay on their toes.

“But it’s not only him, it’s Adam, Alex and Matt, too, as they all can play left back as well.

“So every day you have to show the manager you want to play.”

Olsson has been a virtual ever-present this season and he is certain to start in Saturday’s home clash with Leeds United.

But he admits there is still room for improvement in his game.

“I try to think more about the things I need to improve on the pitch,” said Olsson, whose only goal for Rovers came in a 3-3 draw with Leeds at Elland Road in September 2012.

“Even if I’m happy with one game I try to go over it and see what I could have done better.

“Is there anything I need to particularly on? I think it’s a bit of everything, even the things I’m good at.

“Crossing, left foot, right foot, positioning, defending, going forward – there’s always something to improve, both ways.”

Olsson took advantage of the mini-break granted to the Rovers squad by Bowyer last week to take a short holiday in Paris with his twin brother – and former Ewood Park favourite – Martin and their partners.

But, after some ‘hard training’ back at Brockhall this week, his focus is now on Leeds.

“There are no easy games in this league and this one will be no different,” said Olsson, who is determined to win his place back in the Sweden squad.

“But we’re playing well right now, everybody has a lot of confidence, we’re playing at home in our first game after time off, so we’ll be going in there 100 per cent.”