Is Daniel Harvie the man to finally replace Dean Lewington as MK Dons' left-back?

Many have tried and many have failed, but Russell Martin hopes summer signing Daniel Harvie can become MK Dons' next left-back.

His has been a name on the teamsheet at left back for the best part of 16 years in Milton Keynes, but Dean Lewington looks set to be moved towards the centre of defence, leaving space for a new man to come in and take over the groove he has worn down that flank.

Harvie, a 22-year-old signing from Ayr United, appears to be lined up as that replacement, looking to succeed where the likes of Ben Tilney, Adam Chicksen and Josh Tymon have failed.

With Callum Brittain set to re-sign for Dons this week and something of a standard for how Martin wants his wing-backs to play, having a pair of 22-year-olds on either flank will give Dons an athletic approach to both defending and attacking from out wide and though Lewington still has milage in the tank, his defensive duties remain his strongest attribute.

Baily Cargill and George Williams have both played in the role in the last few years, but have never been able to usurp Lewington from his perch. But the skipper shifting to centre back for this season has afforded Martin the opportunity to bring in Harvie to perhaps fill the role.

"Daniel Harvie has come in like he has been here forever and really adjusted well to it," said the manager. "With him, it was down to the process of watching him, researching his character, speaking to his coaches, team-mates and people he's played against. So far, he's done that.

"It's a different role we're asking Danny to play out there, and I think Deano could do it but I don't think it would suit him anywhere near as well.

"He has potential to be a top player. We have to be patient with him. There will be ups and downs as you'd expect with someone who has taken a bit step up. He has shown he's more than up for it and ready. He's a young guy, so we have to be patient and I don't want to put too much pressure on him but I'm really excited by him.

"The biggest thing about coming in during pre-season is how you'll get judged by your team-mates and so far they've all said he's a good player, accepted him into the group because they know what he's about. Mentality-wise, he's exactly what we want – he's young, hungry, aggressive, intense. At times, we'll have to manage him to make sure he's not doing too much."