Player Profile

Koren was released by West Brom in May despite helping them clinch an instant return to the Premier League. He had asked for a move in the January transfer window after making only eight league starts, and in February he was branded as “selfish” by Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo after refusing to shake the Italian’s hand following his substitution against Scunthorpe. He played 149 games for West Brom, who he joined on a free transfer in January 2007 after three years at Lillestrom in Norway.

Mediocre for the first five years of his international career, Koren has been transformed into Slovenia’s heartbeat since being appointed captain at the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign. Previously burdened with his billing as the successor to national hero Zlatko Zahovic, Koren has responded to his new responsibility by bringing a calm authority to an inexperienced side.

He suffered a freak pre-season accident in 2007 when hit in the face with a ball, causing temporary loss of sight in his left eye. Koren feared his career was over but he suffered no lasting damage.