Stylish defender Andrew Dawson is relishing the relegation battle.

The 19-year-old became the latest of City's youngbloods to earn their first-team spurs when he made his first start in the midweek loss at Luton Town.

Now he is destined for his first game from the start at home to Millwall - and he can barely wait.

"I would love to be able to start, but that's up to the gaffer," said the York-born defender, who was given a more advanced role in midfield directly against the Hatters' most experienced player Mitchell Thomas.

"I liked playing there because you are not just tied down to defence, but I don't mind where I play as long as I can be involved in the first-team."

Dawson has already made a dramatic contribution on home turf this season. He sprang from the substitutes' bench to guide in a cultured winner in the titanic tussle against Manchester City just before Christmas. Ironically that was the last time City prevailed at Bootham Crescent.

Now the onus is on the Minstermen to return to those rare winning ways in front of their own fans.

Said Dawson: "Every point is critical now. We cannot rely on other teams. We have got to get things for ourselves."

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