Ebanks-Landell is impressed with Dons' defensive variety

Ebanks-Landell started the season as one of Robbie Neilson's first choice centre-backs alongside Scott Wootton. However, George Williams, Joe Walsh, Dean Lewington and Ouss Cisse have also played there so far this season.

The 24-year-old returned from a foot injury recently, coming on as a late substitute against AFC Wimbledon before making his first start since the start of September in the 2-0 win at Bury on Saturday.

The defender, on loan from Wolves, netted his first goal for the club in at Gigg Lane on Saturday on his return to the first team.

Having sat on the bench against AFC and then again against Northampton four days later, Ebanks-Landell said he knew when he signed for the club in July there would be a lot of competition for places this season, and he is enjoying the battle.

"When I first arrived, the manager told me we had options to go three, four or five at the back," he said. "There's a real battle there at the moment, and you know you have to be on it all the time back there. But that's what helps you win games and leagues."

His foot injury, picked up at the beginning of the month, meant he missed most of the month of derbies - games against Peterborough, AFC Wimbledon and Northampton - and although he admitted it was frustrating to miss big games, his injury is now behind him.

He said: "It was very frustrating to miss so many big games, especially the AFC Wimbledon game. The boys were telling me all about it - Lewie has been here for years, Willo knows a lot about it too, and they both said it was a massive game for the players and fans. The Northampton game too is a good rivalry, but that's football.

"I've missed big games before, I'm just happy to be back."