Craig Dawson has a big part to play in West Bromwich Albion’s long-term future - although he might spend some part of the remainder of the season on loan away from The Hawthorns.
The 22-year-old centre-half has found opportunities very hard to come by this season.
The ex-Rochdale man has yet to feature in the Premier League having found himself behind Gabriel Tamas in Albion’s pecking order.
With Jonas Olsson due back from injury soon, there could be a temptation for Albion to cash-in on Dawson.
But Steve Clarke insists the former England under-21 man still has a big future at The Hawthorns.
That will come as a blow to Bolton who had their hearts set on a permanent deal for Dawson.
Albion have no intention in selling Dawson, who has particularly impressed during his international outings.
Clarke said: “Craig is a top prospect, a top talent, he has been really unfortunate that Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley have been outstanding. The back-up this year has been Gabi Tamas who also been outstanding and he’s found his chances very limited.
“At some stage between now and the end of the season - if the injury situation stays the same and Jonas, Gareth and Gabi are ok - I would like Craig to go out and get some games but it would be a temporary measure.
“He has a big big future here and in the game.”
Rather than kick up a fuss during his absence, Dawson has knuckled down and tried to force his way back into Clarke’s plans.
The Albion boss has been impressed with his player’s conduct.
“He’s an absolute dream for a coach,” said Clarke. “He’s a consumate professional who comes in and works hard. He’s got reason to come and knock on my door every month and ask what’s happening.
“Craig comes in every day and I’ve seen improvement in him since I came. He’s getting better - I can see that just from working with him.
“Given the right circumstances we will look to get him out.”
Albion take on Reading this afternoon. Clarke expects a strong Royals’ side following signs their recent poor form has come to an end.
“Whenever you go to play Reading, you know they are always going to be hard working and industrious,” added Clarke.
“We know we have to match them for that work-rate and then we have to try and find a little bit of quality that will win the game for us. But we expect a difficult game.”
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The 22-year-old centre-half has found opportunities very hard to come by this season.
The ex-Rochdale man has yet to feature in the Premier League having found himself behind Gabriel Tamas in Albion’s pecking order.
With Jonas Olsson due back from injury soon, there could be a temptation for Albion to cash-in on Dawson.
But Steve Clarke insists the former England under-21 man still has a big future at The Hawthorns.
That will come as a blow to Bolton who had their hearts set on a permanent deal for Dawson.
Albion have no intention in selling Dawson, who has particularly impressed during his international outings.
Clarke said: “Craig is a top prospect, a top talent, he has been really unfortunate that Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley have been outstanding. The back-up this year has been Gabi Tamas who also been outstanding and he’s found his chances very limited.
“At some stage between now and the end of the season - if the injury situation stays the same and Jonas, Gareth and Gabi are ok - I would like Craig to go out and get some games but it would be a temporary measure.
“He has a big big future here and in the game.”
Rather than kick up a fuss during his absence, Dawson has knuckled down and tried to force his way back into Clarke’s plans.
The Albion boss has been impressed with his player’s conduct.
“He’s an absolute dream for a coach,” said Clarke. “He’s a consumate professional who comes in and works hard. He’s got reason to come and knock on my door every month and ask what’s happening.
“Craig comes in every day and I’ve seen improvement in him since I came. He’s getting better - I can see that just from working with him.
“Given the right circumstances we will look to get him out.”
Albion take on Reading this afternoon. Clarke expects a strong Royals’ side following signs their recent poor form has come to an end.
“Whenever you go to play Reading, you know they are always going to be hard working and industrious,” added Clarke.
“We know we have to match them for that work-rate and then we have to try and find a little bit of quality that will win the game for us. But we expect a difficult game.”
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