Former Nottingham Forest defender Kenny Burns has hailed the importance of Michael Dawson after the Reds' positive start to the 2019/20 season.

Sabri Lamouchi's side picked up a magnificent win on the road on Saturday afternoon, winning 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City who sat top of the Championship before the weekend.

Alfa Semedo tapped home in the 85th minute to secure all three points for the Reds, with Lamouchi's men now sitting within touching distance of the play-off spots after an impressive win in South Wales.

Forest produced an outstanding defensive display against the Swans, with Joe Worrall continuing to form a solid understanding with veteran Dawson.

Dawson has started every one of Forest's seven league games thus far this season, and the 35-year-old has established himself as a hugely important player under Lamouchi.

Speaking about the impact Dawson has made in the early parts of the season, Burns said in his latest Nottingham Post column: "If the Reds are going to achieve anything this season then Michael Dawson is crucial. Dawson is not quite as essential as Lewis Grabban because Sabri Lamouchi has good back-up in the heart of the defence.

"Dawson has been outstanding all season, though. He's a player I've always liked going all the way back to the start of his career, which is one he can take massive pride in. He's always had a good attitude, a good head on his shoulders. With all his experience behind him, he's an excellent leader.

"There's more to his game of course. He's been great when it comes to the nuts and bolts of defending, but he's brought so much to Forest this season. His partnership with Joe Worrall has been a key to the promising start we've seen. They kept a clean sheet against Swansea on Saturday and not too many teams will do that this season."

Forest host Barnsley at the City Ground next weekend, as the Reds look to record back-to-back wins in the Championship for the first time this season.

The Verdict

Michael Dawson has undoubtedly been Forest's unsung hero of the campaign so far - he has been exceptional in defence alongside Worrall.

He didn't play as much as he liked to last season due to injury, but he has come up leaps and bounds under Sabri Lamouchi this season, and has shown that age is just a number.

Worrall will be learning so much from him, and his experience and leadership will be vital for Forest in their push for promotion this term.