Craig Dawson wants to play a central West Brom role

The 26-year-old has become an ever-present at right-back under Pulis and has only missed one Premier League game since the start of last season.

Although the former non-league player is grateful for the experience that has helped him rack up 116 top-flight appearances, he still believes his best position is centrally.

Earlier this year, Dawson impressed at centre-back when Jonny Evans was injured as Albion went unbeaten for all four games the Northern Irishman didn't start.

Olsson left the Baggies last week after nine successful years at the heart of defence to join Swedish side Djugarden IF.

Although 37-year-old Gareth McAuley is staying on next season and will sign a 12-month contract extension soon, Dawson has told Pulis his long-term aim is to play centrally.

"We have spoken about it, but at the moment I'm doing a job for the team at right back," said Dawson. "It's been a great learning curve and I've learned on the job. I've enjoyed playing so many games and learning from those experiences.

"But it's my more natural position being inside and hopefully I can get a good run in the team at centre-half.

"That's the aim, to move back inside. I had a little run in the side (at centre-back) and we had some good results. That's the plan for me."

Albion bought Dawson from Rochdale almost seven years ago before loaning him straight back to them in League One for a season.

But he has now been with the Baggies squad for nearly six seasons, and he learned a lot from Olsson.

"Jonas was a true professional, he'd always put an arm round you and give you advice," said Dawson. "He's done that throughout my career at West Brom. He'll be a big loss for us in the dressing room and on the pitch. I wish him well.

"Jonas was very passionate about everything, every little thing. He'd always show his passion, whether it'd be on the pitch, the dressing room, or the canteen! It would be everywhere. He was a nice guy as well."

Dawson pounded two headers past Petr Cech last time out in Albion's 3-1 victory over Arsenal, and the Baggies have scored a league-high 14 goals from corners so far this season.

Albion are a big side with plenty of players capable of swinging in good deliveries, but they also work on their movement in the box.

However, Dawson refused to reveal the American Football-style tactics Pulis comes up with.

"That's top secret information!" he laughed. "We do spend a bit of time on it but like all our games we have plans for every play. It is a strength of ours and hopefully it can continue to be so.

"Tony's very precise on every detail, from the first whistle to the last whistle. We work on everything to be honest, every detail's covered."

And he says Albion's first win over a top seven team will help them believe they can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.

"If you beat one of the big teams it does give you that boost," said Dawson. "It was a great result.

"The team worked very hard. It gives us a great lift after two disappointing results so hopefully we can crack on and keep getting points.

"We've got a tough game away to United so it will be a good test."

Dawson is delighted the Baggies have now matched last season's tally of 43 points, and while there's been plenty of talk of breaking through the 50-point barrier, he's not setting any specific targets.

"We're still working hard and still preparing well for every game. It's obviously important for us to finish well, we've done well, but there's lots of games left to play.

"As a group we've probably not set a target but we want to get as many points as possible and we're working hard to do that."