The Tigers took a giant leap towards a first ever trip to Wembley with a 2-0 semi-final first leg victory over Watford at Vicarage Road last Sunday.

It means even a one goal defeat against the Hornets at the KC Stadium in the return will be enough to book their place in the May 24 final against either Crystal Palace or Bristol City.

So commanding is their lead that bookmakers Skybet make Hull evens favourites to go up, well ahead of Bristol City (15-8), Crystal Palace (7-2) and Watford (20-1).

Despite that, Dawson insists the tie is far from over with 90 minutes – and possibly 120 – still to play.

He said: "Everyone was buzzing in the dressing room because it was a great result but there is a lot of football to be played in this tie yet.

"We have shown that a team can score twice in 20 minutes and that could easily happen against us if we are not on our game.

"We know that Watford are a good team who will create lots of chances so we have got be on our mettle. There will be absolutely no complacency in our squad. It is only half time and there is a long way to go."

City could welcome back Henrik Pedersen and Dean Marney from injury tomorrow night, though whether Phil Brown will want to make any changes to the side who performed so magnificently at Vicarage Road is debatable.

That means last Sunday's goalscoring heroes, Nick Barmby and Dean Windass, should again start in front of what is sure to be a partisan KC crowd.

Dawson was full of praise for the Hull-born duo, adding with a smile: "The two young boys in the squad certainly did their job!

"They have got experience and they know where to make those important runs at the right time.

"You see the way Barmbs made his little run and produced a good finish (for the first goal) while Deano did what he does best (for the second). Those mean just as much as a 25 yarder. Fair play to them both, they did a great job."

The City left-back, who could join his brother (and Spurs defender) Michael in the Premier League next season, was also impressed with the efforts of goalkeeper Boaz Myhill – although not surprised.

He said: "We are lucky to have a fantastic goalkeeper in Bo. He made some great saves but I have seen him do those for four or five years now.

"But it wasn't just him, everyone was throwing bodies in front of the ball. The work ethic of this team is to do everything we can for each other."

City have around 3,000 tickets remaining for tomorrow night's second leg. They are on general sale and available on a first come, first served basis from the KC ticket office either in person or by telephone.