Ledley King praises "real leader" Michael Dawson

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Ledley King has praised defender Michael Dawson for his decision to sign a new contract at the club.

Dawson, who joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest in 2005, recently penned a three-year extension at White Hart Lane.

"He's become a real leader at the club and I'm thrilled he's going to be here longer, and this new deal will take him beyond 10 years, which is a great achievement," King told the club's official website.

Tottenham return to Premier League action on Sunday when they travel to Aston Villa.