Robin Olsen admits he is 'crossing his fingers' of permanent move to Everton

Robin Olsen admits he is crossing his fingers that Everton decide to turn his loan move from Roma into a permanent deal.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper arrived at Goodison Park in October on a season-long loan deal from the Serie A side to provide Jordan Pickford with competition for the No 1 jersey.

The Sweden international has played seven games across all competitions for the Toffees and Carlo Ancelotti showed earlier in the season he is not afraid of playing him after dropping Pickford to allow him to make his debut against Newcastle in November.

Olsen has also played the last two Premier League games with underfire England shotstopper Pickford - who has made some high-profile errors this season -  missing out through a rib injury.

And now speaking to the club's official website, Olsen has confirmed he wants him and his family to stay on Merseyside beyond the summer.

'We want to stay, but it is not me who decides,' he said.

'I can only cross my fingers and see what the club says. As a family, we have moved around and feel we are in a good place now.

'We are very happy, so why not stay until it is time to move home to Sweden? That is what we would choose.

'It is easy to say that – but everything needs to be sorted out.'

Olsen has kept just two clean sheets for Everton, and was heavily criticised for his role in Scott McTominay's goal in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester United at the weekend.

But with Pickford's absence through injury likely to continue, he looks set to play against Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday and is ready to seize any opportunity he gets to stake a claim to become the undisputed No 1.

'I knew I would have the competition with Jordan but I have seen if I train well, I will get my chances and if I play well, I will get more chances,' he added.

'Jordan is a really nice guy and to train with a top goalie makes me much better. You should want to improve yourself every day and I feel I am getting better all the time with Everton.

'We have a fantastic goalkeeper group. I like it [here], I am big, there are more duels in England. It fits me.'