Difficult to keep everyone happy at MK Dons

Keeping everyone in his squad happy is proving to be a difficult task for Russell Martin.

The likes of Baily Cargill, Kieran Agard and Hiram Boateng made up a strong U23s side on Tuesday in the 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon, with more than 130 first team appearances this season in the side which started the game. The trio have not been seen since the 3-0 defeat to Newport County in the Leasing.com Trophy in early January, but were all keen to play on Tuesday at Kingsmeadow.

"It's difficult," said the manager. "It's something I'm really conscious of because the players aren't playing as much football as they want. I asked them whether they wanted to play in the reserves on Tuesday, and they said yes.

"They're a big part of the group. If they're not in the first team this week, they could be next week because things can change so quickly.

"We've got some real characters who aren't in the first team at the moment, who will feel they should be. We've got real competition, and we will need everyone between now and the end of the season."