West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has played down his clash with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard after he accused the England star of diving in the penalty area. The 26-year-old Swedish stopper says the incident has not diminished his respect for the Liverpool playmaker, saying he still regards him as one of the world's best.

"I screamed at him, 'You're too good to dive like that'," Olsson told Aftonbladet. "He said that he didn't dive and that it was a penalty.

"There is always banter going on during the game, especially in the heat of the moment. But I have the utmost respect for Gerrard. He is one of the best players in the world.

"It is one-on-one at the end. During the last half hour, I faced Gerrard, Torres and Kuyt, that means there will be chances. When Kuyt made it 2-0 I wasn't perfect, but it is a tough situation."