Dons' defenders are expected to chip in with more goals

Defenders Baily Cargill, Regan Poole and Matthew Sorinola all scored their first goals for MK Dons last week and manager Russell Martin wants to see it more often.

With Dons still hunting a goal-scorer to replace Rhys Healey, the need for goals from other sources has never been more important. And with defenders scoring three of Dons' last four goals, it appears to be working.

Martin's desired system sees his back line encouraged forwards - a plan experimented with by Paul Tisdale briefly last season - and he hopes it will see more goals from all over the pitch.

He explained: "I spent a long time in lockdown thinking about how I wanted the team to look, trying to find a formation which suited us the best, brought out the best in the players and would make us more difficult to play against.

"This formation we're playing at the moment I really like, getting people like Baily and Regan higher up the pitch. The rest we're still working out. We're finding out the quirks of the team, how individuals function in the team.

"But we've given them the licence to try and do things in the final third, but until then they're structured and controlled.

"Regan is playing in a wing-back position which really suits him with his athleticism and energy and intensity. He's added a bit of calmness to his game too."

Poole admitted his goal, coming in his 26th appearance for the club, as well as Cargill's have been a long time coming, but the new system Martin has laid out will mean both will be seen in the box more often so those opportunities will come their way more often.

"I know it’s been a long time coming for Baily, but he deserves it," said the Welshman. "He played well and worked hard during lockdown to get into the team.

"It was a long time coming for my goal too – it was about time! I’ve been doing alright in pre-season I scored a couple so I want to score a few more. Now I’ve scored one I hope they start coming more!

"It’s something that’s new to me but it’s really enjoyable. I’m learning each day and with each game. I’ve got a lot to improve but I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a decent start for me, but I want to get better with every game.

"It’s a little bit more attacking, you still have to get back and help out defensively. It’s a bit less responsibility but I need to do my defensive responsibilities too."