Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that he has spoken with Michael Dawson about his first-team future with the club.

Dawson came close to leaving White Hart Lane at the end of the transfer window, despite being named club captain in July.

Queens Park Rangers had an offer accepted for the 28-year-old, but Villas-Boas has insisted that Dawson will get a chance for Spurs this season after an injury to Younes Kaboul.

He told Sky Sports News: "We have chatted. There is extreme competition for that central defence position.

"Younes' operation will take him out for three to four months and it is up to Michael to compete.

"I'm sure he will come good. He is an extremely good professional and a club captain. He is looking forward to getting back into the team."

Villas-Boas goes in search of his first win as Spurs boss after the international break, when they travel to Reading on Sunday, September 16.