EIGHT weeks ago the England centre-back was on his way out of White Hart Lane, today they will be led by him right into a Europa League quarter remaining as leader. Clive Rose/Getty Images ENGLAND opponent Michael Dawson is grateful to director Andre Villas-Boas for giving him the ability to prove his worth at Tottenham. Dawson will lead Spurs to the thriving cauldron of St Jakob-Park today, comprehending that victory over Basle will secure Tottenham's first European semi-final look in 29 years. Rewind eight weeks and it absolutely was a completely different story for the centre-back. Only a matter of weeks after being anointed as membership chief, the 29-year-old was told he might keep for QPR, who had a A9million bid for the gamer approved. Dawson turned down the move and, because the joyful period, is now an ever-present in the center of the Tottenham back four. Villas-Boas had great religion in William Gallas, Jan Vertonghen and Steven Caulker therefore he was under no pressure to give still another chance to Dawson, nevertheless the former Nottingham Forest man is obviously glad he did. "I wasn't active in the first game of the growing season, but the manager saw that I was working hard and he gave me a chance," Dawson said. "It is been a fascinating time, to say minimal. "In summer time I was out of the team, but I stayed because I thought I could reunite in to the team and I could help the team achieve things. Now I am playing I am loving every moment of it." Dawson might very easily took benefit of QPR's deep pockets, but he insists the notion of leaving the club where he's spent the past ten and a half years never crossed his mind. "Had I wished to, I could have gone but I never, actually gave it a thought," Dawson said. "I love enjoying at the club. I'm captain of the team and it's an excellent experience leading those boys out and, if I could help things to be achieved by the boys, it would be great." a wise one would be an exaggeration to say his choice looks. While QPR's relegation from the Barclays Premier League looks set to be proved in the next couple weeks, Dawson is likely to be concentrating all his efforts on top Spurs to a top-four end, and possibly a location in next month's Europa League closing in Amsterdam. A dramatic improvement will be needed by spurs if they're to secure a location in the last four of the European opposition, though. They certainly were outclassed in the first leg, going 2-0 down within 35 minutes. Numerous chances were missed by basle to kill the tie down and Gylfi Sigurdsson and Emmanuel Adebayor clawed the tie back once again to 2-2. The away objectives tip, and Basle's excellent home kind - they have not lost at home since August - mean progression to the semi-finals will soon be tough. The lack of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon, and Jermain Defoe problems Spurs' chances significantly. Flares, booming drums, and large banners are anticipated to greet the players at the ground, but, as a man who has over come the odds on your own level this year, Dawson is confident his group can pull off an upset. He said: "We know we are abroad and Basle is really a hard spot to play. But when we get the gain we are through. "We come in an excellent place to undergo, despite what some think. "Win a soccer match and we are in the semi-final. That is our aim." Basle v Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League is televised survive ITV1 today, kicking off at 8.05pm.
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