Kasumu respects EFL Trophy which helped make his name

The fans may not like the competition much, but David Kasumu has a lot of respect for the EFL Trophy.

It was against Stevenage - Dons' opponents on Tuesday night - back in 2017 in the Trophy what Kasumu picked up man of the match in only his second start for the club, playing at right-back.

Since then, Kasumu has emerged as one of Dons' regular midfield options, putting in another top showing against Ipswich during Dons' 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Though Russell Martin is expected to rotate his squad for the trip to the Lamex Stadium, Kasumu is keen to keep up his momentum.

"I just want to play any and every game," he said. "Stevenage are a good side so it will be a tough game. Those cup games is where I first got onto the stage so I enjoy playing in those games."

Kasumu has made 40 appearances prior to his 21st birthday - which falls today (Monday) - but he will have to go a long way to get near the appearances of Richard Keogh and Dean Lewington, who he played in front of on Saturday. Keogh, who was making his first start for Dons at the weekend, has been a big help for Kasumu so far both on and off the field since signing in the summer.

Kasumu continued: "He's always talking to me, and before, telling me what he wants from me. And obviously alongside Dean Lewington, between them they have so many appearances. The experience they have helps me a lot.

"Everyone helps me out, talks me through things, gives me good and bad criticism. That will only help me."