The midfielder has had to look deep within himself to stay on top of his game this season

Life at MK Dons has been tough for Dan Crowley.

The 28-year-old was the marquee signing of the January window last year. Arguably the best player in League Two in the first-half of last season, the former Notts County man came into a side on the slide, ending the season and starting the next on the treatment table, with the club having narrowly avoided the drop to the National League.

Through managerial changes and a relegation battle last term, Crowley has struggled for game time this season, making just six starts for Paul Warne in all competitions, amassing just 659 minutes on the field (23 per cent).

And that lack of football has tested the former Arsenal academy product in ways he did not expect.

“It’s been tough, it’s been a challenge,” he said. “When the boys are doing well, you kind of know you’re not going to play. You really have to dig deep in each training session, give everything when inside you’ve got the voice telling you ‘you’re not going to play anyway’ so you have to fight that.

“Weirdly I’ve enjoyed it, but I’ve not enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the challenge. You find out about yourself, who you are as a person. Do you give up, do you sulk? I’ve enjoyed it in ways, but I want to play at the end of the day.

“It’s not about reminding people, if people think I’m a good player then great, if not, I’m not really bothered! I just want to play. I love playing matches, I love football, so not playing is tough, I hate it.”

Keen to break into the side at this crucial point in the season, Crowley stated allowing his standards to drop are simply not an option. With the side playing well, on an eight-game unbeaten run in the league, the midfielder said his contributions in training help ensure everyone is on top form heading into games.

He continued: “The standards are so high in training, and the gaffer is so intense that he just won’t let the standard slip. If he sees any of us who haven’t played as much not giving everything, he won’t accept it. Because the standard everyone has set is so high, there is no room for sulking.

“When you’re a part of a team fighting for promotion, it’s easy to spot the players who aren’t pulling their weight.

“The world doesn’t revolve around whether I’m playing or not. I still have to come to training and be the best part I can be to help the group anyway I can.”