Broken nose is unlikely to keep Paterson out for any longer
Dons’ top-scorer has been missing since February and got a punch in the face for his troubles on his return
There are no major fears of Callum Paterson’s fitness despite the Scot breaking his nose on his return to action for MK Dons.
The 31-year-old was making his comeback against Barrow on Good Friday after six weeks out with an ankle injury sustained in the 1-0 win over Newport County on Valentine’s Day, and was given a welcome back punch to the nose after going up for a header against Bluebirds keeper Wyll Stanway.
Needing lengthy treatment, the former Sheffield Wednesday man continued before being brought off with 15 minutes to go to watch his side be held to a frustrating goal-less draw with the struggling Bluebirds.
With the quick turnaround before Easter Monday’s trip to Oldham Athletic, head coach Paul Warne said he had not long-term fears that Paterson could miss more of the run-in as a result of the break, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing also getting 25 minutes in the tank on his return.
Speaking about Paterson’s nose, Warne said: “It’s straighter now than it was at the start of the day! I don’t think it’s a massive blow to him, he did look a bit of a mess when he came off though.
“You need players who will put their head in where it hurts if you’re going to win games. I don’t expect it to keep him out of Monday. But we’ll let the medical team have that chat.
“It was great to have him back, and it was good to get more minutes for Mendez too, so in that respect it’s good, but we need to turn our performances into wins.”