Everyone agrees England has never been better off for central defenders.

And while Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate represent the present, 20-year-old Michael Dawson is definitely set for a bright future.

The classy Nottingham Forest defender has missed the start of the season after having an operation to correct a groin tear.

But on Monday night, he played the first half hour for Nottingham Forest reserves at Newcastle. Even though the attendance was just 896, it was an important occasion for the England Under-21 defender who has been linked with Liverpool and Newcastle in the past.

"It was nice to be back," beamed the blonde centre-half. "No player likes being injured and I’m no different. I’ve watched the Forest first-team games but you sit there wishing you were out on the pitch."

"When I did my hernia, it was a nightmare but I can look forward now."

Dawson’s comeback marks an upturn in Forest’s fortunes. On Sunday, the club gained their first win of the season on the day The City Ground paid tribute to Brian Clough.

"I was there and it was a great day in many ways," said Dawson. "Cloughie was a legend, the people around Nottingham know that. I think he blew in that winning goal from Marlon King.

"He used to come down to see Forest when I was starting my career. Everyone knows what he meant to the club."

Clough would have appreciated the way Dawson plays the game. He loves to attack the ball as a defender but when the opportunity arises, he is comfortable getting it on the deck and passing it around.

"Yeah, I like to play. It’s also good to get a few good headers in.

"England have a lot of good centre-halves at the moment and they all seem to be flying. I just have to keep playing and learning. I like to watch Rio Ferdinand in particular, he is a great player."

Dawson played the first 30 minutes at Newcastle with his England under-21 room-mate Steven Taylor on the opposite side.

Forest won 2-0 and Dawson said the run-out had been just what he needed.

"The plan was always to play the first half-hour. I’ve only been in training two weeks and we’re not going to rush things.

"I am not putting a deadline on a return for the first-team, it is more important that when I do play, I am 100 per cent and really flying to help the team.

"The injury was bothering me at the end of last season. I wouldn’t have had the op otherwise.

"It was restricting me for quite a while so hopefully I can come back a better play. It’s time to look forward."

Although the Under-21s next two internationals in October will be too early for Dawson, he will be eager to be picked for the following European Championship qualifiers in March against Germany and Azerbaijan.

By that time, Dawson should be fully integrated back into first-team football and making up for lost time after a couple of seasons punctuated by illness and injury.

"The Under-21s manager Peter Taylor has called me to give some encouragement which has been nice. The games in March are an incentive but I have to repeat that the first target is the Forest first-team."