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Gareth McAuley aims to step up to the mark

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Albion defender Gareth McAuley has admitted he must take the lead as the Baggies cope with the loss of their senior players.

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Albion defender Gareth McAuley has admitted he must take the lead as the Baggies cope with the loss of their senior players.

Dominant centre-back Jonas Olsson could return from a calf injury for Saturday's trip to Stoke to claim the captain's armband but skipper Chris Brunt and experienced duo Steven Reid and Zoltan Gera will be missing again.

And Northern Ireland captain McAuley reckons he must take some of the initiative despite being a relative Premier League novice following his summer move from Ipswich.

"I think I have to try to step up to the mark," he said. "The Premier League is still quite new to me.

"But I've played a lot of games and have quite a bit of experience, as a few other lads in the dressing room have, and it's up to us to keep doing well in the absence of some of the leaders within the group."

And 32-year-old McAuley admitted he is still looking over his shoulder as he aims to keep his place with Olsson's imminent return.

McAuley has partnered top-flight rookie Craig Dawson in the absence of the Swede.

"I'm in the team but I've got to try to play well to stay in the team because there is competition within the group," he said.

"Jonas is coming back and Daws has come in and done very well so there is a decision there for the gaffer to make as to what happens when Jonas comes in and how he changes it.

"It's all credit to Craig. He works hard, is methodical in his approach and leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. I'm delighted that he's playing but I just hope he doesn't take my place."

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