50 players to watch at the World Cup - No 37 Robert Koren

21 April 2010 11:18
We continue the World Cup countdown, as Robbie Blakeley looks at Slovenia Captain Robert Koren.

Name: Robert Koren
Age: 29
Country: Slovenia
Club: West Bromwich Albion
International Caps: 45
International Goals: 9

The Slovenia captain has been at West Brom for three and a half years, and played an instrumental part in their promotion back to the Premiership this season.

Koren first played professionally in his home country for Dravograd and Celje, before making the move to Norwegian club Lillestrom in 2004.

Was a regular in the centre of their midfield, attracting interest from English clubs Leeds United and Manchester City, before securing a move to the Hawthorns in January 2007.

The dead ball specialist once scored a hat-trick of penalties in a Slovenia game against Luxembourg, and won the man of the match award as he led his nation to the World Cup via a play-off against much fancied Russia.

This summer will give the midfielder the chance to shine against England, as Slovenia will line up in Group C alongside the Three Lions, Algeria and USA.

Source: DSG