Dons getting numbers back for Lincoln clash

MK Dons could welcome back George Williams and Ben Gladwin to the fold on Saturday for the visit of Lincoln City to Stadium MK.

Both Williand and Gladwin have missed the start of the season through injury but have been training with the squad this week and could be back on the bench for the second League One game.

It is good news for Richard Keogh, Louis Thompson and Kieran Agard too, who are making good progress and could be back sooner than expected from their injuries too.

Russell Martin said: "Richard Keogh is back in with the group training again, not full contact so we're still managing him but it's really good to see him on the pitch. George Williams is back with the squad so he'll need some minutes on the pitch. We've got a game arranged in the next few weeks for the guys who have missed some games, which will be good for them.

"Ben Gladwin is back and ready to be involved on Saturday. Kieran is coming on quicker than expected, he's out of his brace and is moving well and has started his rehab. Louis Thompson is out on the grass running also, and will be back training next week. It's really positive news."

With at least two of the five able to return this Saturday, it offers Martin something of a selection dilemma, especially with the likes of Joe Mason and Callum Brittain occupying spots on the bench at Doncaster Rovers last weekend too.

Martin continued: "Every manager talks about strength in depth and it does make it harder in terms of squad selection but what it creates is competition in training and togetherness in terms of their standards too.

"I'm looking forward to having everyone back. You're always going to get injuries during a season, that's why you need the depth, and when you see how busy the schedule is as well."

After a positive opening game against Doncaster, picking up a point at the Keepmoat Stadium, Martin said having a selection headache is a good thing.

"I was pleased with some aspects, but there were areas we need to improve too," he added. "But for the first league game, we were fine. The subs who came on made an impact too, so it's a selection headache for me.

"Once everyone is fit, I want to look over my shoulder at the bench and looking at some really strong options and players you would be comfortable putting on and doing a job."