Olsson backs Dawson to step into his boots

Dawson is on alert to start at the Etihad Stadium after Baggies boss Pepe Mel admitted Olsson and midfielder James Morrison are both major doubts for the Bank Holiday clash.

But midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu will head for Manchester with the season's first player-of-the-year award already secured.

Olsson, who is struggling with an Achilles tendon injury, insists Dawson is capable of filling his boots against the Premier League title chasers.

Dawson deputised for the Sweden international during his recent two-match suspension as well as playing alongside him in a back three at Swansea.

And Olsson said: "He's not that inexperienced. He did well when he came on against Tottenham and he has done well when he's filled in for me, or played alongside me.

"He has a bright future ahead and he's a good professional. Sometimes I've been on the bench and coming on for the last 10 or 15 minutes is always tough.

"But you want to play and gain experience and I know that if I'm not fit enough, Craig is good enough to come in and do a job. He's very professional and that's why we have players in the squad if there are injuries and suspensions.

"For the last months of the season that's how it is and he has done well when he's had a chance."

Meanwhile Mulumbu, who claimed the Disabled Supporters' Club Player of the Year award yesterday, is calling for a quick start from Albion at the Etihad.

"We've done well against the big teams this season," said the DR Congo international.

"It's a crucial game for Manchester City but also for West Brom as well. On Wednesday we saw Sunderland draw against City so anything is possible in football, especially in England. It's like a cup game. "

You never know what's going to happen.

"We just need to go there and start well, start sharp like we did last Saturday against Tottenham and show a little bit more strength at the end of the game."