West Brom central defender Craig Dawson has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract, the club have confirmed.

The England Under-21 international joined the Baggies from Rochdale on a three-year deal during the summer of 2010.

He scored twice on his under-21 debut against Azerbaijan in September 2011 - the same month as he made his first Premier League start.

The new deal ties Dawson to Albion until at least the summer of 2015 although there is the option for a further 12 months in the club's favour.

West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson told the club's official website: "We are very happy that Craig has committed his long-term future to the club.

"Since he joined up with the team at the start of the season, he has been very impressive, both in training and games.

"We believe Craig has got a very bright future as a Premier League player and it's nice that future is going to be with West Brom."

Dawson was still playing non-league football less than three years ago with Radcliffe Borough in the Unibond League.

But he quickly made an impression after joining hometown club Rochdale and helped them to gain promotion to League One before moving to the Hawthorns. He was immediately loaned back to Rochdale for the 2010-2011 season before starting to make his mark this season with Albion.

Dawson has netted four times in his six appearances for the England Under-21s.