CRAIG Dawson is being primed to step into the centre of Albion’s defence after Gabriel Tamas accepted his violent conduct charge.

The Romanian will serve a three-match ban after being charged by the FA following his clash with Norwich City’s James Vaughan.

First-team coach Michael Appleton was disappointed with the decision but admitted it presented a potential opportunity for 21-year-old Dawson, who is favourite to step in at Swansea on Saturday.

“When someone gets a suspension it is not ideal,” said Appleton.

“Tamas and Jonas Olsson have been playing since the start of the season so there is that little bit of a partnership they have built there.

“But, since coming in during pre-season, I think Craig has come on leaps and bounds.

“He’s shown that in the (England) under-21 games.

“Obviously going into the Premier League is another step up again.

“International football is a little bit slower tempo and gets really quick around 30 yards from goal.

“But he’s been training well with the team and has been improving all the time.

“If he does get an opportunity on Saturday I don’t think he’ll let anyone down.

“There have been lots of Championship clubs interested in taking him on loan.

“It was only last season that Swansea were playing in the Championship.

“They’ve stepped up into the Premier League and they’ve asked questions of their players on terms of whether they can cope with the Premier League.

“They’ve done well so far so if Craig does get the nod I don’t think he’ll have any problems with it and I’m sure he’ll deal with it in the right way.”