Orient’s Dawson hopes to catch Trap’s eye
The midfielder was superb at Brisbane Road as he got the better of Arsenal’s star-studded midfield trio of Tomas Rosicky, Alex Song and Denilson, who have won 100 international caps between them.
And he admits the celebrations went on long into the night after Jonathan Tehoue grabbed a late equaliser to earn a lucrative replay at the Emirates a week tomorrow.
And now Dawson has set his sights on breaking into Ireland’s senior side after playing twice for the U21’s.
“My performance against Arsenal can only help (to catch Trapattoni’s eye),” said Dawson.
“I’ve played at lower levels internationally so who knows what will happen. The game against Arsenal will give me confidence. I felt like I acquitted myself well, and gave as good as I got against a very good Arsenal midfield.
“Having said that, I know where I can keep improving, and having watched the game again in full I am still a bit critical of how I played as I gave the ball away once or twice.
“I made one or two challenges, as I do, but I was just enjoying every minute of it. Before I went out I said that I didn’t want the game to pass me by, and that I would lead the team by example — and I hope I did.
“Right now I can’t get over the fact that we drew with them and we will go to the Emirates and enjoy every minute of it.”
And Dawson has revealed that Orient chairman Barry Hearn has already told the players he will fulfil his promise to take them to Las Vegas if they secured a lucrative replay at the Emirates.
Hearn had said he would pay for the squad to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Sin City if they drew against Wenger’s men — and Dawson made sure he stuck to his word.
He added: “Barry came in to the dressing room and said: ‘Right, it might have to be at the end of the season as you are pushing for the play-offs, but I am a man of my word and you will all be going to Las Vegas for five days’.
“Then there’s the fact that we are going to the Emirates and have a glimmer of hope to go to Old Trafford and play Manchester United if we win — you couldn’t make it up.
“The dream is still on for us, and we are just two games from Wembley — we only have to win at the Emirates and Old Trafford to get there.”
And Dawson reckons he will have an entire plane-load of supporters heading to north London for the clash, having had 70 family and friends at Brisbane Road on Sunday.
“I’m dreading how many tickets I will have to get,” he laughed.
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