Hot hitman Hepburn-Murphy is showing why Warne wanted him at MK Dons
The forward is living up to expectations with his recent goal-scoring form
In-form striker Rushian Hepburn-Murphy must keep delivering the goals for MK Dons, with attacking options edging towards their returns to the side.
The former Crawley Town man has four in four heading into Saturday’s game with Barnet, with six to his name this season putting him level with captain Alex Gilbey as the team’s top-scorer so far.
Having predominantly played as a wide forward in support of Callum Paterson through the middle this season, the Scot’s illness has kept him out of the side of late, prompting Hepburn-Murphy to play as a sole front-man, with his goals proving his prowess in that role.
“Rush is having a good time!” said head coach Paul Warne. “We brought him to the club for that exact reason. He’s a real threat, and he’s excellent as a one up top on his own.
“He’s in good nick, and as a striker if you’re scoring goals, you’re having yourself! He’s in a really positive vein of form, he’s a real threat and if he’s lucky enough to play again on Saturday, he has to keep it going.”
Hepburn-Murphy came out of the side for the 3-2 win over Gillingham a few weeks ago and found himself back on the bench as Dons began to pick up form in their League Two campaign, but came off the bench a week later to net the fourth in a 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers.
Now leading the line in the absence of Paterson, Warne insisted he is not exclusively in the side because of the Scot’s absence.
He added: “He’s not just playing because Pato was ill, he was playing prior to that as well. We can’t cry about people being injured, it’s always next man up.
“If Mendez-Laing doesn’t play, if Gilbey doesn’t play, if Dan Crowley isn’t fit, someone else plays, whoever the case may be.
“It’s good we’ve got lads who can step up when called upon. It’s really pleasing from everyone’s point of view.”