Michael Dawson is set to earn the Tottenham captain’s armband on a permanent basis after Robbie Keane’s departure to Celtic for the remainder of the season.

Ledley King had held it before Keane, but with so many doubts over his fitness, he cannot be considered as captain in Harry Redknapp’s eyes.

With Dawson having impressed at the back this season, namely on occasions when he has held the armband, the honour is to be awarded to him on a regular basis, at least until the end of the season.

Harry Redknapp told the Daily Telegraph, “I’ve not discussed it with Michael. It’s only happened recently, so I’ve not even had the chance to see the players and talk to them at the moment. It is not official yet.

“But Michael Dawson has captained the team before, done a good job, he has just signed a new contract, been in great form and is a real leader who leads by example.

“You look for a leader, somebody who can take your instructions on the pitch, see things that are going wrong and put them right in their own way; and every captain is different.”

Jonathan Woodgate is also reported to be in the frame for the role, should he be able to overcome his injury problems.