Dons cover defensive problems with Long loan

MK Dons have bolstered their defence by bringing in Burnley's Kevin Long on loan until the end of the season.
Kevin Long playing for BarnsleyKevin Long playing for Barnsley
Kevin Long playing for Barnsley

The 25-year-old centre back hasn’t made an appearance for his parent club this season, but spent three months on-loan at Barnsley, where he played 13 times.

Long joins after Dons for the last eight games of the season after Kyle McFadzean was hit with a three-match suspension, while Matt Upson and Joe Walsh are long-term injury problems.

“We saw him play for Barnsley this season and he was exceptional in the games that we watched,” said Dons boss Karl Robinson.

“Kevin ticks a number of boxes for us - he’s a wonderful size and he’s good on the ball.

“I told him he’s got to come here and fight for his place. He could have gone to three other sides where he would have been guaranteed a start but he said he wants to come here and fight for a place.

“He wants to come here for the right reasons. It’s key that we bring in players with the right mentality, given our position.

“I want to thank Sean Dyche for allowing us to have Kevin. Sean raved about his mentality.

“He’ll strengthen the defence. Kyle is suspended for three games and is one booking away from another three-match ban, while Joe Walsh and Matt Upson are coming back from injury. It’s a position we didn’t want to leave ourselves short in going into these final games.”

The deal includes a 24-hour recall after 28 days.