Gilbey and Morris stand up to be counted for MK Dons

With conditions proving difficult against a tough and physical Shrewsbury side, Alex Gilbey and Carlton Morris took the game by the scruff of the neck for MK Dons on Saturday.

Morris has been an integral part of Dons' side since signing a month ago, while Gilbey is a strong Player of the Year contender with his showings from midfield, particularly under Martin's guidance.

Martin said: "Carlton will not accept losing or not playing well, and he takes so much pressure, kicks and he's a real point to play off. Gilbs got stronger and stronger as the game went on. He was really driving us in that last 20 minutes. He has been really good for us. They both led by example in that last half an hour. They're big players and they're showing why."

Morris also drew praise from Gilbey in his post-match summation.

"He's ridiculous, I love playing with him," said Gilbey. "Since he came in, I got a connection with him straight away. Those are the sorts of players you love playing with. Fair play to the gaffer for pulling it off, and hopefully he can stay a lot longer than he's expected to.

"He has a big personality, and that's just what the gaffer wanted. His football does all the talking. Even if he has a bad game, which he hasn't so far, his hold-up play brings others into the game, he's not selfish. Hopefully he'll keep doing it and he'll keep scoring goals."

While Gilbey and Morris dragged Dons towards a vital point on the road, Martin's two substitutes Conor McGrandles and Regan Poole also made big impressions on the game, giving the visitors a bit more cut-and-thrust in the latter stages as they replaced Louis Thompson and Callum Brittain respectively, with Poole even playing a key role in Rhys Healey's equaliser.

Martin added: "Regan was excellent when he came on, it's no surprise given the way he has trained, has performed in the last few reserve games. His attitude is always impeccable and he brought intensity and pace and drive to our game.

"And the same with Conor McGrandles who has had a bit injury recently, but they were both brilliant when they came on. It's a squad game, and they both came off the bench to make a real impact."