Freeman wants a hat-trick and to run Dons midfield

"I haven’t scored a hat-trick yet so that’s a good place to start," joked John Freeman when asked to review his MK Dons performances this season.

Thrust into the first team faster than even he expected, Freeman has become accustomed to the environment and wants to take advantage of any and every opportunity which comes his way this season.

Preferring a berth in the centre of midfield, Freeman admitted he is happy to play wherever manager Russell Martin asks him to. But he has his eyes set on a key position.

"Personally, I like to be where the ball is so I like midfield," he said. "I like to be creative and dictate the tempo of the game. All the academy coaches have taught me to play numerous positions so I’ve felt comfortable playing wherever I’ve been asked and that’s credit to the academy coaches.

"I try get my first touch right and my first pass so I can grow into the game. If I can reward the manager with some goals and assists that would be nice."

Likely to get a game tonight against Southampton U21s in the Papa John's Trophy, Freeman wants to follow in the footsteps of David Kasumu and Matthew Sorinola - both of whom made a name for themselves at the club in this competition, catapalting them into more regular first team appearances.

And like Kasumu and Sorinola before him, Freeman is eager not to let the opportunity slip through his fingers.

He continued: "I think it’s a great opportunity, Matty and David are the perfect example for aspiring youngsters. Matty really took his chance and had a couple of man of the matches in the first few games he played in and then got man of the match in the league games so it’s a chance to impress.

"You always have to work hard and everyone works hard here but to see it get valued and recognised and to get the opportunity is amazing."