Defensive bodies return for Dons' clash with Northampton

Russell Martin will welcome back Regan Poole and Warren O'Hora to the MK Dons squad for Tueday night's EFL Trophy game against Northampton Town, but will bne without Ben midfielder Gladwin.

Poole and O'Hora were away on international duty with Wales U21s and Ireland U21s respectively, and are set to go straight into the side to face Cobblers at Stadium MK.

Gladwin's injury though, picked up in training on Friday, remains a relative unknown though, with Martin awaiting the results of tests on the issue facing the 27-year-old.

"Warren is back," Martin confirmed. "He took a whack on the head with Ireland so we’ve put him through the concussion protocol first. Regan Poole is back from international duty too – which is great. Everyone is slowly getting there, but won’t be ready for tomorrow.

"We’re waiting for Ben’s assessment, we’ll know more about Wednesday and hope to have him back for Saturday. We’re not overally worried or anxious, we just need the specialist's view. He’s desperate to be involved but we need to give him more time."

After being forced into picking teenager John Freeman to make his Dons debut against Coventry, playing out of position in the defence on Saturday, Martin said he was pleased to welcome back some of his defensive players, while he waits on the return to fitness of George Williams and Richard Keogh.

He said: "I’m really happy with what we’ve got in terms of quality and personality. We’ve got a lot of them missing, George and Rich are two big characters in the group. We’re hoping they can be back in the next couple of weeks but need to be patient with them. Rich has worked really hard over a long period of time and has come into his last stage of rehab, we look forward to having both involved."