'A quiet lynchpin' - will O'Neil make Dawson captain?

Craig Dawson's influence cannot be underestimated.

At about £3m from West Ham in January 2023, the defender was an absolute steal for what he has given to Wolves and he has led by example.

Dawson's nine-year spell at rivals West Brom has been forgotten because of his commitment and assured nature. He has often been the quiet lynchpin of a defence which has sometimes needed a senior head to guide it.

A groin injury forced him to miss the final 12 matches of last season. He did not play following the 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United in early March - and perhaps it was no coincidence Wolves' form collapsed.

An FA Cup quarter-final exit to Coventry City and just two wins without Dawson in the run-in meant the side slipped out of European contention.

At 34, Dawson cannot be expected to go on forever, but Gary O’Neil knows he will be able to rely on him.