Dons must be patient with injured Keogh

Richard Keogh is not yet ready to play football again after his knee injury, but Russell Martin says he has signed his top defensive summer target.

The 33-year-old suffered the injury in a car crash last year, and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season in September. However, the experienced defender will be a huge asset for Martin and his new-look defence, according to the manager.

"He's desperate to get back, but we have to be patient with him," he said. "He's not a million miles away. Once he's on the pitch, he will add a huge amount.

"He'll help make our young players better. He has been one of the best defenders in the Championship for a long while. I know he has been out for a while but sometimes you have to be brave.

"We've worked really hard on it for quite a while. Once I knew he was available, I was desperate to bring him in. I've played against him for a number of years and played with him many moons ago. I know what he's like as a character, and think he's exactly what need on and off the pitch. It's a really big statement of intent of where we want to go.

"He will add a huge amount to the culture of the club. He's desperate to be involved in football, he really sees the potential here and he really wants to be a part of it. And that's so important – that someone wants to be here. He has been my number one target in that position for a long time."