Laird wants to prove himself at MK Dons

Ethan Laird is eager to repay Russell Martin's faith after he signed on loan from Manchester United this afternoon.

The 19-year-old right-sided defender joins from Old Trafford until the end of the season, having made two appearances in the Europa League for the Premier League giants, as well as appearances for England U17s, U18s and U19s.

“I'm buzzing to get started,” Laird told mkdons.com after linking up with his new teammates.

“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and what I can do for the team, and that’s all I could ask for - it’s now up to me show why he was right to choose me.

“I need to work my way into the team and get to know the lads, but I want to make as much of an impact as I can while I’m here. That’s something I’ll always hold myself too - how can I affect my teammates and the Club in a positive way.

“This is the perfect place for me to continue developing, with the way the team play. They are aggressive, they like to get in behind and they leave it all out on the pitch and that's my idea of football.

"I believe in the manager’s idea of the way we play and I want to make sure that I can help make that happen. I know we can achieve good things if we stick to the manager's beliefs and implement them on the pitch.

“In terms of who I am - I'm quick, I like to dribble with the ball and I'm always looking to get in behind and put in crosses. I have bundles of energy and I'll be looking to put that to good use!"