Fisher's place in goal is his to lose

Andrew Fisher looks set to be MK Dons' first choice keeper for the time being after Lee Nicholls' was dropped on Saturday.

The 22-year-old signed from Blackburn Rovers on transfer deadline day, and made his Dons debut against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in place of Nicholls who has been the club's first choice gloveman since 2017.

It is not the first time Nicholls has been dropped though. During Dons' promotion push in 2019, Dons stumbled through January and manager Paul Tisdale replaced him with Stuart Moore for five games as Dons turned around their fortunes.

While that dropping was seen more as a punishment for Nicholls rather than a legitimate bid to blood Moore at the time, Fisher looks set to be the club's first choice until further notice.

"Fish is a really calm person and a really level headed person," said Russell Martin ahead of Tuesday night's game with Wigan. "He’s great with the ball and plays really well. Deano has nudged me to keep singing him and I’m really pleased he’s in.

"We’ve got real depth in the goalkeeping position now, unfortunately for them, they don’t have a huge amount to do. When they are called upon we need them to engage and do their job for the team. He’ll get better and better and is a long-term singing for this club at his age.

"He’s a really good player and now it’s up to Lee and Laurie to push him hard and when they get his chance – they have to take it.

"Lee and I had an honest chat and we expect a lot from him and I know that’s a bit tough on him. It got the best out of Lee last time, he came back outstanding. If he has the chance again sometime soon then he needs to make sure he’s ready to go."

It’s up to Andrew now to keep the position. Consistently is important, but Fish has to make sure it’s him. If he produces the performances then he stays in, but Lee needs to stay in the best shape he can be so if he gets the chance – he’ll take it.

"Every top team in the country know the minute their levels drop – someone can take their place."