Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is delighted with the form of Michael Dawson.

"I've been pleased with him, he has been fantastic," Redknapp told the club's website. "He puts his head in there, he wants to defend for his life and he's a smashing boy, a great lad.

"He's a proper footballing boy, loves the game and I've been really impressed with him.

"Both him and Woodgate have done great in Ledley's absence and our centre-halves are going to be so important to us - Dawson, Woodgate and Ledley, if we can get him fit. They're the backbone of your team."