Tottenham defender Michael Dawson says he won't throw a "sulk" as he battles for first team action under manager Andre Villas-Boas.

While the 28-year-old would not confirm his long-term intentions, he insists he will never develop into the sullen figure who quickly becomes the bane of a manager's life.

"Sulking is not something I've ever done, it's not something I'm going to do and it's not something I want to be around," he told the London Evening Standard.

"Everyone in the squad wants to play and I don't think it's right if people come in sulking.

"We all want to play but that's why you have to stay positive. When you're called upon, you need your team-mates to want to back you and fight for you. Do I still feel I can force my way in? Of course.

"I always back my own ability, because you have to. In a career you go through hard times and this is one of them, when I'm not playing.

"Under Harry Redknapp I was involved regularly and playing lots of games, so of course this is frustrating. I was used to being captain when Ledley King was unavailable and there was no better feeling than leading the team out. We went to play at some amazing places during those times and those memories will remain.

"I love playing football and I want to do it on a weekly basis. There is nothing better than training from Monday to Friday, winning the game on the Saturday and having that feeling on a Saturday night makes for a great week ahead. When you don't play, it's a different feeling."