Collins is delivering the work-rate as well as goals after Warne's criticism

His goals are one thing, but Paul Warne has been delighted with Aaron Collins’ improved work-rate off off-the-ball recently.

The MK Dons striker scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in Tuesday night’s 4-1 win over Bromley, meaning the Welshman already has four more goals than he scored last term.

During the early part of the season, when Dons were drawing more often than not, Warne was critical of Collins’ work-rate, and he was dropped for the game in Wigan. It turned out to be Dons’ first defeat of the season, and Collins came off the bench to score their only goal in a 3-1 reverse.

Since then, the goals have kept on coming from all angles but more importantly for Warne, Collins has heeded the comments and provided more in his all-round game.

Warne said: “The goals are great, that’s what you expect from a striker but I like his worth ethic. I’m on him all the time, bless him, so he has to if he wants to play. The goals are the cherry on the cake, and he has to work hard.

“It helps the fact that he’s been fit this year. God knows how many he would have scored last season if he didn’t have those injuries. That’s the player I had to go to the Trafford Centre to beg to sign. I’m really pleased for him.”

He continued: “The second goal (against Bromley) was from his own hard work, which is great. He takes up dirty positions, that left slot where you know he’s coming inside to let one rip. And every time he does, you fancy him.”

And taking up those awkward positions is a defender’s worst nightmare, according to Charlie Goode.

He said: “I’m glad I’m playing with him and not against him. He has so much talent and he’s so difficult to mark. He picks up certain positions where, as a defender, you don’t want to come out to.

“When he gets a chance, you always back him to score. There are so many goals out there for him.”