Dons appeal Cropper dismissal amid keeper crisis

MK Dons have appealed against Cody Cropper's sending off against Preston North End in a bid to have him available to play Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night (Tuesday).
Cody Cropper is sent off against PrestonCody Cropper is sent off against Preston
Cody Cropper is sent off against Preston

The American, who is standing in for first choice keeper David Martin who is out with a broken hand, brought down Preston striker Eoin Doyle with eight minutes to go, prompting referee Stuart Attwell to send him for an early bath.

Having used all three substitutions, striker Alex Revell was given the gloves, and remarkably kept out Joe Garner’s penalty as Dons held on to draw 1-1 with Preston.

Prior to the game though, third choice keeper Charlie Burns was suffering back spasms and questions over his fitness ahead of the trip to Hillsborough on Tuesday night.

Charlie Burns (Pic: Richard Parkes)Charlie Burns (Pic: Richard Parkes)
Charlie Burns (Pic: Richard Parkes)

Burns, 20, has played only 56 minutes in the Dons first team in an appearance in May 2014 as he replaced David Martin in the 3-1 defeat to Leyton Orient on the final day of the season.

It will be a huge ask of the keeper too, going into a vital game that could see MK Dons relegated from the Championship. In five previous meetings, Dons have never won at Hillsborough but have drawn three times.

Dons will be relegated on Tuesday night if they lose and all of Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Rotherham pick up points.