Craig Dawson on a 'dream come true'

Albion new-boy Craig Dawson has spoken of his "dream come true" after becoming one of two youngsters in beat-the-deadline moves to the Hawthorns.

The 20-year-old centre-back completed his £600,000 switch from Rochdale last night and was followed by teenage right-back James Hurst, who rejoined the Baggies from Portsmouth.

And Dawson, who penned a three-year contract with a one-year option in the club's favour before rejoining League One Dale on a season-long loan, is delighted.

He said: "It is a dream come true. It will be a massive learning curve for me and one I can't wait to get started on.

"It's a great club with a great staff and a great manager, I am looking forward to getting involved and working with these people."

Despite rejoining Dale for this season, Dawson will split his training schedule between the League One side and his new club.

The 6ft 2in centre back admitted the agreement gives him the best of both worlds as he learns his trade.

He said: "I've still got a lot to learn, I can use the staff here at West Brom and still go back to Rochdale and play games.

"It will give me time to get used to staff down here, get used to new training methods and practices and still be playing football at the same time."

Sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth said: "Craig is an excellent young prospect who we have thoroughly scouted.

"As a club, we've often talked about having an underbelly of players who will be ready to challenge for a first-team place in a couple of years."