Sheffield Wednesday: "I have not just been sat at home twiddling my thumbs for the last six months' - Cameron Dawson on the battle for the No 1 spot

Dawson was handed his fourth league start of the season in the Owls' midweek Championship encounter with Birmingham City. The academy graduate was powerless to keep out Antonio Giminez's 48th minute close range strike as Garry Monk's side were held to a 1-1 draw.

Dawson was given the jersey following a string of errors by team-mate Keiren Westwood. Boss Monk said Westwood had a minor shoulder problem but would have played Dawson anyway.

Dawson enjoyed his return to action.

"It was excellent," he told The Star. "I love playing football and walking out at Hillsborough, especially under the lights.

"It has got a special feel around the place for me.

"I was relatively pleased with how I played. I have not just been sat at home or at the training ground twiddling my thumbs for the last six months.

"I have been working on my weaknesses and tried to bring myself back into the team as a different and a better goalie.

"I have been working hard in the last six months to work on my weaknesses. I always want to improve and I will keep on doing that. Hopefully I can keep getting better."

He found out he was playing on Tuesday morning.

"I tried to come in and be positive," said Dawson. "When you get a chance to walk out at Hillsborough in front of our fans, it is a chance to go and show everyone what you can do.

"At the end of the day, it is a stage to perform on and it is down to you to perform.

"I will just carry on doing my job and if I can stay in the team then that will be great."

Wednesday round off a hectic week with a trip to mid-table Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Dawson said: "It is great when the games come thick and fast.

"It will be tough against Charlton. They have started off well but there is definitely three points for us there if we want it. Hopefully we can put in a good performance."