The midfielder barely got a chance to show his abilities last season

Injured midfielder Jay Matete has been tipped to shine for MK Dons next season by former Scottish winger Robert Snodgrass.

The 25-year-old could only make seven appearances for Dons since his move from Sunderland in January, suffering a hamstring tear in the 0-0 draw with Crawley Town in February, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

Having impressed during loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and Bolton Wanderers in League One prior to his arrival at Stadium MK, Snograss reckons the ex-Sunderland man will be a top performer for Paul Warne’s side next season, while also backing a Dons fan favourite too.

Speaking to OLBG, he said: “We’ve seen the impact of guys like Jay Matete and Jack Sanders. Jay obviously came in with that Premier League and Sunderland pedigree. He's provided top quality and is a Championship or even Premier League-level player all day.

“Jack Sanders, who came in from St Johnstone, was right at the top of all the high-performing data metrics and our 'team of the season' lists, he’s been absolutely terrific. And of course, Callum Paterson’s goals were superb in getting them over the line.

“They need to build on that now, keeping the core that performed while starting the next phase of the building process. The atmosphere is right, from the fans celebrating on the pitch to the relationship with the manager.”

With a busy summer of recruitment expected to add to the squad following the promotion to League One, Snodgrass believes Dons could emulate the likes of Wrexham by going ‘one and done’ in the third tier, especially with ‘specialist’ Warne in charge.

He said: “I think looking at the new ownership coming in and spending that money to get them promoted, it shows they’re an ambitious club. I believe they could do a bit of a Wrexham if they get things right, achieving that double promotion or the consecutive bounce through the leagues.

“Paul Warne is brilliant. He’s a specialist at this level. Now it’s about the recruitment phase and having a big summer to ensure they are ready to cement themselves and push for the League One title next year.”