A familiar face could feature for Peterborough United when they take on MK Dons on Saturday

Player of the Season Liam Kelly is set for a welcome return to MK Dons on Saturday, but all friendships will end come 3pm.

The 30-year-old signed for Peterborough United in the summer on a bumper deal set to keep him at London Road for several seasons, and has slotted straight into Luke Williams’ side at the start of the new campaign.

A popular figure in the Dons dressing room during his two-year spell at MK1, Kelly played an integral role in helping Paul Warne’s side secure automatic promotion last season, voted Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season too, while being included in the EFL League Two Team of the Season.

Defender Gethin Jones said the squad are excited to see their old team-mate again on Saturday, but admitted all niceties will end as soon as the whistle goes.

“We’re all still good mates with Kells, he’s a really good lad and was unbelievable for us last year,” he said. “We were all gutted to see him go but it was a brilliant opportunity for him. It’ll be good to see him but once we cross the line, he’s not a friend!”

Since his exit last month, Warne said he has been in regular contact with his former midfielder, and though he wishes him success this season, he said he hopes he leaves his old stomping ground pointless.

He said: “I love Kells, I text him all the time since he’s left.

“When you play your old team, you get cotton-wool mouth, I always struggled against my old clubs. You just want to perform so well but if you try too hard, your performance dips, or if you don’t try hard enough, you don’t reach it.

“I’ve not really had too many problems against former players, touch wood.

“I obviously wish Kells a good game, but without any points in his top pocket when he leaves! It’ll be nice to see him, he’s a big part of the fabric here.”