Agard could force himself back into contention at MK Dons

After scoring a brace in his first match in 11 months, Kieran Agard might be given more of an opportunity to pull on an MK Dons shirt again.

The striker netted his 49th and 50th goals for the club on Tuesday night as Dons thumped Norwich U21s 6-0 at Stadium MK, moving him into third in the all-time leading scorers charts above Dean Bowditch.

But having not even been named in a matchday squad this season, and not seen since the 3-0 defeat to Newport back in January, Russell Martin says Agard's attitude off the pitch, and his professional performance on it on Tuesday could see him have more involvement in the future.

"I'm open to being surprised and giving people a chance because of the trust I have," he said. "Never say never, we might see him more. He has a way to go with fitness, he is still building up but he is a really strong member of the group and a great character.

"It could be easy for him to make things difficult, but it's reciprocal respect and when he does that, there's a big possibility he could play more of a part going forward.

"He deserved a chance, that's why he was in the team. We've had to rest players tonight because of all the games. With Kieran, it has never been personal, always professional.

"He has been unlucky with injuries at the wrong times, but we are trying to restructure things at the club in a way we have to and he has fallen victim to. And we've also got excellent options in front of him – Cameron Jerome, Carlton Morris and Ste Walker. Kieran has done himself proud tonight.

"Even when players aren't involved, you have to treat people like human beings and respect their situation. Fortunately, we've got a good relationship with him. He was the first person we applauded in the dressing room, he deserved it.

"It would be so easy for him to play and not try because of his situation, but he's professional, he's a top man and when he does that, he gives me a nice problem. It was never in doubt that he'd give us that performance."