Laird loves life in Milton Keynes

Ethan Laird is enjoying all the elements of his loan spell at MK Dons so far.

The 19-year-old has made three appearances for Russell Martin's side since joining at the start of the month, and helped start the scoring when he teed up Joe Mason to score the first of his hat-trick against Fleetwood last Tuesday night.

Laird's enthusiasm and exciting style on the ball impressed Dons fans during his hour-long stint in his debut against Burnley in the FA Cup third round, and that enthusiasm is reflected by the teenager.

"It’s exciting. I’ve had a few games which has been good for me and the manager has put trust in me which I’m gald he has. I hope I’ve impressed him what what I’ve done so far and long may it continue.

"I couldn’t ask for anything else to be honest. The way we play football so confidently - we play like it’s against mannequins! It shows our confidence in how to play football and us controlling the game helps us out. We can put the energy into going forward or pressing. I really do love the way we play."

Laird is one of four new additions to the squad this month - all of them under the age of 21. While the injection of youth has shifted the average age of the squad dramatically this month, Laird said the nature of the squad is one of inclusion and he has not felt any struggles gelling with the rest of his new Dons team-mates.

He said: "For me, personally, it’s easy because we all have one goal and one love which is football – it’s easy to get along with people. We want to do as well as we can and wins games.

"The new lads, even though I am one, they are great guys. The manager wouldn’t bring them in if they would spoil the team. It’s easy to get along because we all have the same goal."