I can't imagine Dawson is happy perpetually playing the role of "stand in". To be honest, I like the kid. Yes, he came to the club without a great deal of fanfare and he struggled to find his feet in his first season. To be fair - it must be very difficult for any player to perform successfully week after week when you're constantly in and out of the side and bounced from position to position. Throw into the mix Dawson's unfamiliarity with the club and its tactics, the players etc. And let's not forget that he's still pretty young.
The fact that he came out of last season's difficulties and immediately set to work developing his physique (where, admittedly, he was lacking) is a testament to his professionalism.
He's now a much more robust player and this is shown in his vastly improved defence in the few games he's had this campaign. He's pretty quick, too.
Look, this kid is always there - putting his hand up and taking on the dirty jobs with relish. He goes about his business professionally, has performed admirably under trying circumstances and there are never any prima donna histrionics.
I'd love to see him get an extended run in the side holding down one position. I'm not saying he's a world-beater. But I do think it would do his confidence a massive power of good and we'd see elements of his game that perhaps he's been forced to suppress.
I really do hope we keep hold of him. I can't imagine he's on a king's ransom and given the positions he's covered we're likely getting good value for money. That said, I can understand him being frustrated and wanting to get first team action if not at Saints, somewhere else.
