Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson has revealed how Des Walker helped him as he broke into the Reds team earlier in his career.

The centre-back, who has enjoyed a successful career that has seen him play for Tottenham and England, has returned to the City Ground as he looks to help Forest back to the Premier League.

That was the aim when Dawson started his career in the East Midlands and whilst it didn't happen, his partnership with Walker in central defence is one that fans remember fondly.

Walker is an icon at the club having played over 400 appearances across two spells. And, whilst he was coming towards the end of his career when Dawson emerged, the 36-year-old told The Athletic how Walker's influence helped him.

"Des was brilliant. He was the one who would take the blame when I had made a mistake. He would just tell me, ‘You should be doing this… you should be doing that.’

"Paul Hart would be ranting and raving. Des would tell me not to worry. He realised I was 18. You don’t always agree with the manager, whether you are 18 or 35."

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The verdict

Playing alongside Walker would have been a dream for Dawson at the time and he will have taught the young defender so much, in terms of how to play the position and how to be a top professional.

That clearly will have played a part in Dawson's development and he will be delighted with the career he has gone on to have, which has included playing for his country and in the Champions League.

Now, it's about Dawson passing on his knowledge to the next generation coming through at the City Ground.

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