Martin Olsson’s goal/assist in Blackburn’s win over Hull last night acted as the biggest possible nudge to us Fantasy Managers as to his potential.

The young Swede is classed as a defender across many of the fantasy games and in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game he will currently cost you just 3.8. We first brought him to your attention with our Watchlist Scout Report last month and this gameweek he made it into the Scout Picks. Olsson repaid my faith in him by striking the winning goal last night, although his off-target cross-come-shot only earned him an assist in the FPL. Ironically this return came despite being shifted to left-back after starting Blackburn’s previous five matches in left wing role…

Chris Samba’s suspension was behind the change in position. With Gael Givet shifting to central defence to cover Samba’s absence, Olsson slotted in at left-back. With Samba banned for the home game with Bolton in gameweek 26, the Swede is likely to be kept in that position. However, having impressed boss Sam Allardyce, his starting role seems secure and a shift back to a more attacking position seems likely…

“He is doing excellent. He has emerged by some gentle encouragement and some playing of cup games. He really came to the fore against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. After that performance against Young, he looked ready and he has proven that. He has done left back and wide left for us and he is very good young, emerging talent.”

Blackburn’s defence isn’t the most obvious to turn to when it comes to investment but Olsson’s price, his potential for attacking points and Blackburn’s decent home form, are factors that look hard to ignore. While he is perhaps not a player you will call on every gameweek, as a budget benched defender for the rest of the season, he looks more than a little handy.