CRAIG Dawson’s ‘workaholic’ attitude has been key to his meteoric rise from non-league to Premier League football.

The 21-year-old is on standby to continue for Albion this weekend, with both Jonas Olsson and Gareth McAuley hopeful, but by no means certain, of recovering from their respective injuries for the visit of Norwich.

Yet Dawson was still playing non-league football until three years ago, before an impressive 12 months at Rochdale led to Albion signing him in July 2010.

Dawson returned to Rochdale for a season-long loan before rejoining Albion last summer.

Since then he has been capped six times at England under-21 level, scoring four times.

Albion No.2 Keith Downing has been impressed with Dawson’s rise to prominence.

Yet he is not particularly surprised, citing the youngster’s professionalism. “Craig has had a fantastic ascendancy,” said Downing.

“He’s got himself playing for the England under-21s, found himself playing Premier League football.

“Playing non-league, then to Rochdale – he’s one of those players everyone wants and it’s been a massive learning curve for him.

“In the last few games he’s played against the likes of Modric, Van Der Vaart and people like that.