Dawson in fitness race

The 19-year-old star is battling the effects of a bout of glandular fever that he contracted while on duty with the England Under-21 squad.

Despite being suspended for the first two games of the season, Dawson has been unable to join the squad this week for the start of pre-season training, with the teenage ace being reduced to doing some work in the gym, under the supervision of the club physio.

Forest boss Paul Hart believes that Dawson's illness could have been prevented had England Under-21 manager David Platt used some common sense with the player at the time.

He said: "I pulled him out of the England (Under-21) squad but David Platt said he wanted him to train with them, but I said he was absolutely shattered," Hart told the club's official website.

"David said he would only play in the qualifying game against Slovakia and Michael went away on a get-together to Sardinia.

"Obviously he was tired and weak and contracted glandular fever.

"It's disappointing that people don't listen to you."