Management plans in the long term for Keogh

Richard Keogh has designs on becoming a manager when his playing days are over.

Much in the same way Dons boss Russell Martin did, the 34-year-old has been doing his coaching badges in preparation for when he hangs up his boots or should an opportunity arise which would mean him stepping into the breach.

Keogh has been a regular at Dons games even when he hasn't been playing and was heard shouting instructions from the stands during Dons' win over Stevenage.

He said: "I didn't realise anyone could hear me on Tuesday – I suppose without the fans you could! It's a natural reaction for me, I'd have been doing it on the pitch too. And if I can help the team in any way, then that's what I'll try and do.

"I've spoken to the gaffer about it and he's great in that sense. It's something I'm looking to try and do. I'm taking my coaching badges and I hope to get to a position where if something happens or materialises I'm ready to go. It opens your eyes to that other side.

"I'm lucky that I've got Russ here who has gone through it and I can lean on him, ask questions to him and Luke, who have been fantastic to me. "

It's not just in the stands where Keogh has been helping his team-mates out though. Last week, David Kasumu said how much Keogh had helped talk him through his game against Ipswich, and the defender says he hopes he can use his years of experience to help the younger players reach their potential on the field and off it.

"As an experienced player, you want to pass that onto the younger players because you want them to get the best out of themselves," he said.

"I've seen what it takes to get to a good level, and know what they need to do to improve their game and to be the best they can be. If it means talking to me or setting the right standard in how I train or in the gym, it's those little things they can pick up.

"I've been captain at Derby, so naturally that quality in me is there, as it is in the manager who was captain at Norwich for a long time. Certain players enjoy that more than others, but I will always be vocal when I play and help the group as much as possible."