Wolves boss full of praise for experienced defender

Wolves were actively seeking a new centre-half in the summer with concerns about Dawson’s age as well as the injury record of Yerson Mosquera.

Following the departure of club captain Max Kilman to West Ham, Toti Gomes and Mosquera were the first choice centre-halves as O’Neil opted for a back four at the start of the current campaign

Dawson also underwent groin surgery in the close season and needed time to return to fitness.

But with Mosquera ruled out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury in the defeat at Villa Park in September, and a switch to a back five for some games, veteran Dawson has plugged the gap in the centre of defence.

Moreover, he has again become one of Wolves’ most consistent performers, despite their nightmare start to the season.

The former Albion man joined Wolves from West Ham under former head coach Julen Lopetegui for £3.3million in January 2023, and played a key role in the club maintaining the Premier League status.

And while Molineux boss O’Neil is still eager to bring in a centre-half in the upcoming January window, he hailed the impact of Dawson, after the 34-year-old regained his place in the side.

"When we spoke about the centre-back we wanted to do in the window, part of that was to do with Dawson's age and Yerson's injury record,” said O’Neil.

"Max was a good centre-back but he was also robust and could always play.

"That was one of the reasons that me and Matt felt we wanted one that could go straight in and play at this level.

"But Dawson has come back from his injury in the summer in fantastic fashion.

"We've been reliant on him again and we will be because he's a top defender and a good guy to have around the place.”