The experienced defender started the season on the bench but was quickly recalled to play at Nottingham Forest, where his battling performance helped his side to a point.
Now, O’Neil has heaped praise on Dawson for his impact after recovering from groin surgery.
“He was excellent,” the head coach said.
“I don’t know whether he believed me when I told him in pre-season that he would be hugely important and he’d have a shirt at some point.