Michael Dawson pleased he was given a second chance at Tottenham

Michael Dawson: Tottenham defender grateful for second chance

The 29-year-old England international appeared to be heading out of White Hart Lane in August, but eventually turned down a move to QPR.

He has since gone on to re-establish himself as a permanent fixture in the Spurs back four and will lead the side out in Thursday night's Europa League game against Basel at St Jakob-Park.

"I wasn't involved in the first game of the season, but the manager saw that I was working hard and he gave me a chance," Dawson said.

"It's been an interesting season, to say the least.

"In the summer I was out of the team, but I stayed because I believed I could get back into the team and I could help the team achieve things. Now I am playing I am loving every minute of it.

"Had I wanted to, I could have gone but I never, ever gave it a thought.

"I love playing at the club. I'm captain of the team and it's a great feeling leading those boys out and, if I can help the boys to achieve things, it would be great."

Tottenham were held to a 2-2 draw by Basel at home in the first leg of the quarter-final but Dawson believes they will still progress.

He said: "We know we're away from home and Basel is a tough place to play. But if we get the win we're through.

"We're in a good position to go through, despite what some think. Win a football match and we're in the semi-final. That's our aim."