CRAIG Dawson believes only a twist of fate has stopped him playing in the Championship with either Wanderers or Wigan Athletic.

After looking a certainty to head out of the Hawthorns on loan last month, the former England Under-21 international defender is now looking forward to a third straight start in the Premier League against Fulham this afternoon.

An injury to Jonas Olsson prompted West Brom boss Pepe Mel to cancel plans to send him to the North West, and the 22-year-old hopes that can now help him carve out a career in the top flight that looked uncertain a couple of weeks ago.

“There was talk of going out on loan and we did sit down and discuss it but we all decided it was best for me to stick around and try to get some game time with West Brom,” said Dawson, reflecting on what might have been.

“The way things have happened means I have, so I’ve just got to try to work hard and get a regular spot.

“Who knows what would have happened if Jonas hadn’t got injured? We did look at a loan to try to get some football, but the plan was always to try to stay here if I could to get games.

“The way it’s turned out means it’s been great because I’ve been able get games here.”

Wigan failed to complete a move for Dawson on transfer deadline day, which looked to have given Wanderers a chance to bring him back for a second spell.

But with Olsson’s hamstring injury turning out to be more complicated than first expected, both clubs have been forced into looking at other options.