Spurs threw away a two-goal lead 12 months ago, missing out on a place in the final and the chance of a trophy that then manager Martin Jol felt would help his side's development.

Silverware looked unlikely at the start of this season but progress under Juande Ramos since Jol's departure has kept the club alive in three knockout competitions, with the Carling Cup semi-final delicately balanced at 1-1 after the first leg.

Remaining goalless after extra-time at White Hart Lane tomorrow would get them through, although Spurs will probably be required to defeat Arsenal for the first time since 1999 if they are to book a place at Wembley for next month.

"We can't let it play on our minds," said centre-back Dawson. "We have not beaten them in 21 games. It is not about that, it is about doing it on the night."

Dawson was in the side last season when Arsenal defeated them at the same stage after an extra 30 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.

"To get so close and then to lose it the way we did after being 2-0 up, we were all gutted," he said. "Now we have a chance to put it right so fingers crossed with the fans behind us we will do that.

"When you go out in the semi-final of any competition it is always heart-breaking. And to go out to Arsenal was that little bit more disappointing.

"I suppose with the reward at the end of it maybe is the biggest game of my career so far."

Jermaine Jenas, who scored Spurs' goal in the first leg earlier this month, also remembers last season's defeat.

He added on Sky Sports News: "We walked into the changing room afterwards and there was a lot of disappointment. We don't want to feel that again.

"This cup run has given everyone a lift. At the start of the season we weren't firing on all cylinders, there were question marks about us in different areas. It's a nice carrot in front of us to have the chance to get to Wembley."

Spurs were also in the latter stages of three competitions last year - Jol famously called it dancing at four weddings - but ended with nothing to show for their efforts.

Dawson added: "It is a chance for ourselves to play in a final which is something that most of the lads in the dressing room, if not all of us, have not done before.

"That's disappointing because we have some world-class players. For me personally to go to Wembley would be a dream come true."

Ramos has not been knocked out of a competition for nearly two years - and getting Spurs to the next level by winning a trophy is seen as a way he could persuade players such as Dimitar Berbatov to stay at White Hart Lane.

"That's what we're working on," said the head coach.

"That's very easy if we actually manage to advance and get to the latter stages of competitions and get through to finals.

"Then he will get those world-stage opportunities that people think he deserves."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has put faith in his youngsters for the Carling Cup, a group of players Ramos describes as "magnificent".

Dawson does not feel there is much advantage in playing against a second-string Arsenal.

"People say they are kids but if you look at the players that are in that team from back to front there are some top-class players so we don't class them as kids, we class them as a good team," he said.

The possibility of a long-awaited victory over their rivals has also excited new arrivals.

Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, a summer signing, added: "It will feel like Christmas if we can go through to the final.

"We have to win one game against Arsenal this season - and maybe this is our time. It's a great chance for us."

Boateng looks set to be joined at Spurs by his former Hertha Berlin team-mate Gilberto, a left-back who can also play in midfield.