West Brom's Graham Dorrans plays down Fulham pressure

West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans today played down the pressure on the Hawthorns clash with Fulham and insisted it's not a "must win" game.

West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans today played down the pressure on the Hawthorns clash with Fulham and insisted it's not a "must win" game.

Baggies boss Roy Hodgson locks horns with his former club for the first time tomorrow with both sides in the Premier League's bottom three, on just three points from five matches.

But Dorrans, who hopes to keep his place after impressing in Wednesday's Carling Cup defeat at Everton, believes the showdown has come much too early to be considered a season-defining fixture.

He said: "Every game is a big game and we go into every match looking to win, but it's too early to say that it's a must-win clash.

"We are going into the game looking to take points, like we do from them all, but there are only five games gone so it's far too early to be talking about teams being 'desperate' for points.

"I'm sure the gaffer will be looking to put one over on his old club and get three points but he will focus on it like he does any other game.

"He will approach it as he would if it was anyone else."

Dorrans hopes to retain a starting berth against the Cottagers after completing 120 minutes against the Toffees in Wednesday's 2-1 loss.

It was his longest outing since injuring his ankle in February – a problem that kept him out of the end of last season.

[24link]