West Bromwich Albion defender Craig Dawson has claimed that early setbacks in his career have made him tougher, ahead of an important run-in for the Midlands club.

The Baggies are 16th in the Premier League with eight games to go, just three points above the drop zone.

Dawson believes that being released as a teenager has made him battle-hardened, and is backing Pepe Mel's men to avoid relegation.

"I'd been knocked back by Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale," he told The Telegraph. "They were tough times, I thought 'is this it?'

"I went running before and after school thinking 'I'm going to work harder, get fitter and stronger'. It made me tougher.

"[Mel] is a great guy. Everything we do on the training pitch is geared towards winning games. The lads are definitely positive we can stay in the Premier League."

West Brom take on fellow relegation strugglers Cardiff City at 3pm this afternoon.