A new role for Houghton in Dons' midfield

Jordan Houghton became one of Dons key men in the centre of midfield last season, and his role is set to change a bit this season.

With Dons aiming to play with three centre backs this season, Houghton will remain the lynchpin between the defence and midfield, starting the team's progress forwards.

But with another body behind him, and a change in personnel in the back line, Houghton says his job will change from where he thrived last season.

He admitted: "It’s a slight change for me, but it’s also very similar in terms of my position as I’m still the pivot in midfield.

"I’m learning the new formation as we go, we’re listening and learning from Luke and Russ. At the moment, Lewie is in the middle of the three behind me, that helps with our partnership.

"I’ve still got to work hard and keep my high standards from last season, it’s not a given that I’ll be in the team so I’m going to work hard to get in the team and then work hard to stay there."

Having lost a month of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic, fixture congestion is likely to mount up, with seven games already pencilled in for October meaning squad depth and rotation will be key for sides. And though he has been a key man in Dons' starting 11 since he arrived two years ago, Houghton admits players will have to adapt to being rested more often than they will have been previously.

"I think you’d be silly to think you’ll be playing every single game of the season, especially after having so much time off," he continued. "You might feel fit now, but once you’ve done a couple of Saturday/Tuesdays – you might feel your legs a bit.

"It’s about us as professionals looking after ourselves and trusting the staff around us as they know how to look after us. You know that someone can come in and do your job well when you need a rest. It comes down to being professional."