Dons add Brighton youngster O'Hora to defensive ranks

Warren O'Hora has become MK Dons' fifth signing of the summer after he agreed a season-long loan-deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 21-year-old defender has experience of playing at Stadium MK, having played for the Seagulls' U23s side in the EFL Trophy two years ago.

The centre back was named Brighton's Young Player of the Year last season, having moved to Sussex from Ireland's Bohemians in 2018.

“I’m buzzing,” O’Hora told iFollow MK Dons. “The style of play that the Gaffer wants to play is very attractive and it suits me down to the ground. When the opportunity came up to come here, it was very hard to say no.

“I’m really looking forward to challenge. Hopefully I can grab the opportunity with both hands, play a fair few games and show what I can do.”

Manager Russell Martin said O'Hora has been on his wishlist for a while and was eager to land the hotly tipped defender when he heard of his availability.

“Warren is someone we’ve liked for a long time,” he said. “From our time watching Under-23s football, he’s one of the best we’ve seen.

“He’s ready for men’s football. He’s a physical and a powerful player, and he can use the ball really well too. Most importantly, though, we received incredible character references for him – everyone we spoke to about him mentioned his leadership skills.

“He is a young player so we’ll have to patient with him and he’ll have to be patient too, but I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he can really add to the squad.”