Disappointing season so far for Baily Cargill

There is little doubt about Baily Cargill's potential to be one of Dons' best defenders.

Athletic, physical, strong, good with his feet - there is little the 25-year-old cannot do, but the last two years at Stadium MK have been a story of missed opportunities for him.

Despite starting the season in the starting line-up, Cargill soon dropped down the pecking order and he has made just 16 appearances this season, mostly from the bench of late.

"On a personal note, it has been a bit disappointing," said Cargill as he reflected on the season so far. "Every player wants to play every minute of every game. I make sure whenever I'm called upon I've been ready mentally and physically. I like to think I'm quite a good pro, so I'm never giving the gaffer a reason not to want to play me. Hopefully I can get some more game time and try and keep my shirt."

The former Bournemouth defender is highly thought of by Russell Martin. The Dons boss has invested a lot of time in Cargill, who he believes can be one of the best defenders at the club, and the pair regularly talk about where he can improve.

Cargill continued: "I get on well with Russ, he is an honest guy, we have a lot of chats and he's told me what I need to go away and improve and I feel I've done that. I'm in the best physical shape I've been in, and that's down to my hard work, the information he's given me and the people he's let me speak to to maximise my physical abilities.

"I'm in a good place, mentally and physically."

The manager sympathises with Cargill's plight, often coming in when the team is not playing well and having it reflect on his game, while being yet another victim to the immovable object which is captain Dean Lewington.

Martin said: "It has been difficult for Baily – he started well, but we didn't get the results we wanted. Then Richard Keogh came in from injury and Dean Lewington has been so consistent, one of our top performers. When he's had the chance, he has been a victim of the team not playing as well as they should.

"I really believe in Baily as a footballer. It's really tough when you're not playing week-in, week-out as well. He did really well when he came on on Saturday. He gives everything he has got. He's a brilliant, important member of the group with his attitude and he works as hard as anyone. The improvement in a year has been huge, in terms of his application, athleticism.

"He has had to be patient. He has to wait for his opportunity, and he might get that in the next few games. He has to take that chance.

"As a person and a player, I love Baily and cannot speak highly enough of him. I'm sure he'll want to play more, but he has to be more consistent and produce what he is capable of every week.

"At times he can be up and down, which I'm sure he'll admit. He has a big part to play."