Defender previews trip to the West Country
CRAIG Dawson believes this weekend’s Devon double-header provides the perfect opportunity for every player to stake his claim for a place in the starting XI at Crystal Palace.
Albion face League Two Plymouth Argyle at Home Park on Saturday (ko 5.30pm) before making the short trip across the West Country to play Vanarama National League side Torquay United at Plainmoor on Monday night (ko 7.30pm).
The final fixture of pre-season sees the Baggies travel to Spain to pit their wits against RCD Mallorca exactly one week before the Premier League kick-off at Selhurst Park on Saturday, August 13 (ko 3pm).
And Dawson, who has featured in every game in pre-season so far, insists his team-mates will be doing all they can to catch Tony Pulis’ eye before the action starts for real.
“It’s going to be two tough games down on the south coast,” said the 26-year-old.
“We have had a good week preparing for the trip so hopefully all the lads can get as much out of the game as possible.
“Everyone is fighting for places to be in the team and the competition in the squad is good.
“I think everyone will be looking at the games to try and do well and force themselves into the starting line-up for Crystal Palace on the opening day.
“They will probably be ahead of us fitness wise because their league season starts a week earlier but hopefully we can play well, get a couple of good results and top up our fitness levels.”