Dawson earns Clarke praise

Dawson earns Clarke praise

Published Feb. 20, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

West Brom head coach Steve Clarke insists England Under-21 defender Craig Dawson's long-term future is at The Hawthorns.

Dawson, who was part of Team GB's Olympic squad, is regarded as one of the club's brightest prospects and is currently understudy to the Jonas Olsson-Gareth McAuley partnership.

The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Bolton but Clarke is adamant he has a part to play at Albion.

Clarke said: "We know what we've got in Craig. His future is here. I said that when he went out on loan and I will repeat that.

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"His future is here and nothing has changed. We sent him out to Bolton to get games and experience under his belt which is what he needs.

"Last season he only played about 10 matches and Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson have been immense for the past two years.

"But we have to make sure Craig and Gabriel (Tamas) get enough games so they're ready to step in as and when required."

Clarke added: "We're pleased Craig chose Bolton because it's a good club and he can learn there.

"It was important he went somewhere where they try to play the right way.

"He has a never-say-die attitude and great character and his all-round game will improve as a result of playing matches."

Dawson has so far won 11 Under-21 caps and scored five goals but has made only three cup appearances for Albion this season.

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