West Bromwich Albion

Jason Davidson admits lack of match fitness

By Liam Apicella, Features Editor | 02 September 2014

West Bromwich Albion's summer signing Jason Davidson reveals that he is not fit enough yet to play regularly in the Premier League.

West Bromwich Albion full-back Jason Davidson has conceded that he is not currently fit enough to perform to the best of his ability.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Baggies from Heracles Almelo last month, made his first Premier League start during the 3-0 defeat to Swansea City at the weekend following appearances against Southampton and then Oxford United in the League Cup.

Reflecting on his display at the Liberty Stadium, Australia international Davidson admitted that he is struggling to cope because of a lack of a full pre-season programme.

"The thing that surprised me the most is that in the Premier League you are up against players who will test you to the limit for 90 minutes," the Express & Star quotes the defender as saying.

"Right now I am feeling the effects of not having a pre-season under my belt. After playing 120 minutes against Oxford in midweek, I went into the game against Swansea a little short on fuel. Against Swansea, I was disappointed in myself. My mind knew what I wanted to do but my body just wouldn't follow.

"That's just fatigue and while there are no excuses you can only give what your body allows - and the rest is out of your hands. It's a sign that I need to get Premier League match fitness as soon as possible. Three's more pressure and intensity than in Holland because you have the best of the best."

Next up for West Brom is a home clash against Everton a week on Saturday.