Desperate Morris is so eager to impress at MK Dons

Being named on the bench for the last three games has required a lot of patience for Carlton Morris.

The striker, currently in his second loan spell at MK Dons, has not started a league game since the 0-0 draw with Northampton at the start of November, restricted to substitute appearances and starts in cup competition.

His second half cameo in the 2-2 draw with Shrewsbury though was one of Morris' most influentual performances since his return to the club from Norwich in the summer, helping Dons overturn a 2-0 deficit after a dismal first half showing, to mount a comeback, starting with his third goal of the season, and even look capable of nicking the win come the end.

"It means so much to Carlton to be here," said manager Russell Martin afterwards. "He's desperate for it to work and he's a victim of trying too hard and feeling the burden of things, results. I've told him to relax because we know what he can do.

"That was him back to his best – linking up play, running in behind, bringing players into it. And he got his goal. I need him to maintain that now. We've tweaked the shape a little bit so he's been out of the team, but we had to change something.

"I've never questioned his attitude towards what we're trying to do and to the club, considering he's not our player at this moment in time as well."

On his recent stint on the bench, Morris added: "It can be tough at times, with players coming in and out. But the schedule has us playing a lot of games so player management is of vital importance to stop injuries. You've always got to be prepared, whether that's starting, coming off the bench or missing a few games. You've got to keep a positive mental attitude."