How revitalised Sheffield Wednesday have proved the doubters wrong

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for Garry Monk's side, who entered Christmas lying in third position.

But three losses on the bounce over the festive period, including two defeats at Hillsborough, saw the Owls slip out of the play-off positions into seventh spot.

Some Wednesdayites criticised the team's performances and their alarming slump in form raised big questions over their promotion credentials.

However, the Owls have lifted the doom and gloom by dumping Premier League Brighton out of the FA Cup before securing a memorable win at high-flying Leeds.

Dawson told The Star: "Questions have been asked about our character because we were not at it for the three games over Christmas but we parked that and moved on.

"We went away from what we are good at so there were a few honest words between us.

"It was about getting back to knowing what we are, what we are good at and getting the job done.

"We put in a good performance at Brighton and it was great to back that up with a win against Leeds."

Late goals from Jacob Murphy and substitute Atdhe Nuhiu helped Wednesday stun their West Yorkshire counterparts and halt a three-match losing streak.

The result also lifted them up to sixth, four points adrift of third-placed Brentford.

Dawson said: "It was an unbelievable result. Leeds is a tough place to come.

"We lost a few points on the bounce over the Christmas period so it was important we believed in ourselves and made sure we got the job done.

"We knew if we were hung in there we would get chances. We knew we had to be patient but we got there in the end."

The 24-year-old was also quick to praise the contribution of Nuhiu, who made the opener and scored the second.

“I am delighted for Atdhe that he came off the bench and influenced a game like that,” said Dawson. "It is a squad game and when you go to places like Leeds you need the full 18.”