Paul Robinson has compared Michael Dawson to England captain John Terry.
Paul Robinson has compared his Tottenham team-mate Michael Dawson to England captain John Terry.The Spurs defender is still awaiting his first senior cap but has been a virtual ever present for his club this season, winning praise for his robust displays at the heart of Martin Jol's defence.
Dawson's first taste of international football came in November 2002 when he was invited to train with Sven Goran Eriksson's side at Bisham Abbey, but an appearance in the B international with Belarus prior to this summer's World Cup was the limit of his contribution under the Swede.
The former Nottingham Forest star was named on standby for the trip to Germany, and has since found favour with new coach Steve McClaren after being included in the squad for the recent friendly against Holland.
A first senior cap surely beckons after his impressive start to the season, and international keeper Robinson says his young team-mate has similar characteristics to current England skipper Terry.
"He is young too and will get better," said Robinson.
"He is not too dissimilar to John Terry in the way that he plays with a never-say-die attitude.
"With someone like Ledley next to him it makes for a great partnership.
"I was talking about him a lot last year saying he was very underrated but he has got his reward this year by getting in the England squad and people are starting to see his potential."
Jol has also praised Dawson for the example he sets to young hopefuls in the Spurs setup.
"I don't think there are a lot of players like him," said Jol.
"He's honest. In a group of players he's good for other players.
"He's a great person, he wants to win, so I think he's a role model. As a young player, it's unbelievable."
