Frustrated Morris has to absorb the blows

Carlton Morris could score 25 goals per season but provides an equally important service for MK Dons, according to Russell Martin.

The striker has gone four games without a goal, but his physical presence since his introduction in January has helped turn Dons from a relegation candidate to a midtable contender.

Morris' partner Rhys Healey is stealing the headlines of late with five goals in as many games, but the Dons boss says Morris is equally capable of achieving Healey's numbers but provides something the former Cardiff man cannot.

Martin said: "You want him to go and get 25 goals like Rhys does, but everyone around him will tell you how important he is, he takes so much for them, physically. Hopefully he keeps improving."

Against Bolton on Saturday, Morris was seemingly the butt of referee Ollie Yates' jokes as more often than not he was penalised, earning himself a booking after one protest too many in the second half.

Despite his frustrations though, Martin said Morris improved dramatically during the 1-0 win, adding: "Carlton was frustrated with the referee, as I would have been if I was playing. In the first half, he wasn't where he usually was for us, and I told him I demanded more. But second half he was brilliant and he creates so much room for everyone."