Martin likens striker to Rhys Healey after netting his first for Dons

Ste Walker's MK Dons career has twice revolved around the movements of Rhys Healey, and it drew further comparison from Russell Martin after the striker netted his first goal for the club.

The 20-year-old rejoined Dons on transfer deadline day on loan from Middlesbrough for his second spell at the club. Having signed previously as an 18-year-old as a replacement for Healey, who had returned to Cardiff City in January 2019, Walker was barely used by Paul Tisdale, pulling on the shirt for just seven substitute appearances.

Once again drafted in from Boro as a replacement for Healey, this time after he was sold to Toulouse, Walker netted the first of what he and Russell Martin hope are many goals for Dons.

When he first took over, Martin admitted Healey had to buck up his ideas to match the standards he demanded. It resulted in the striker hitting a purple patch as he ended the campaign with 12 goals in 21 games.

After signing him, Martin said Walker was a different character to the 18-year-old from his first spell, but needed to knuckle down behind-the-scenes to reach his potential. And after he fired home on 52 minutes as Dons saw off Wigan on Tuesday night, Martin likened his story to that of Healey before him.

"He has so much ability, it's just about piecing it together," he said. "He's a bit like Rhys Healey when we first took over, making sure his day-to-day behaviour is proper, knowing the demands on him and him rising to them. I told him it wouldn't be easy for him because we're going to demand a lot from him, but he said he wants to come and prove himself and play.

"That's his first game for a while but he has given us a real headache now, especially with Cammy (Jerome) up front. If we can put all the pieces together, he will be a really good signing for us.

"Ste was great. I said we were getting a different Ste to the one who signed last time mentally and physically. He really wants to prove himself, and I thought he was brilliant tonight – better than I thought he'd be. I expected him to be hit and miss but he was intense and sharp. "