Making only one league start is not what Callum Paterson had in mind heading into this season

Going from MK Dons’ top-scorer to impact maker off the bench is not the start to the season Callum Paterson had in mind.

The 31-year-old earned all the plaudits during Dons’ promotion-winning campaign last season, bagging 16 goal en route while also being named in both the EFL and PFA League Two Teams of the Season.

But with the return of striker Sam Nombe to the club after making the switch from Rotherham United this summer, Paterson has found himself coming off the bench to make cameo appearances for Paul Warne’s side.

Doing so in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Wycombe, Paterson set up Aaron Collins before poking home the equaliser, then played a key role in Curtis Nelson’s goal to make it 3-2.

Starting only the midweek defeat at Wigan Athletic last Wednesday, Paterson said it has not been the start of the season he had expected, but hopes his performance at Adams Park will pose a few questions for boss Warne.

He said: “It’s been a bit downheartening to not be the starting striker this year, not starting as many games as I’d like.

“Obviously clubs go out and buy better players sometimes, you just have to take your medicine and take your chances when they come. Hopefully I’ve done that and put a question into the gaffer’s mind.”

Speaking about his impact in south Bucks, he continued: “The assist (for Collins’ goal) was top notch, the best assist I’ve ever done! Taking nothing away from him, the finish was brilliant. I thought it was going over, so I wasn’t happy but then I saw it clip the bar and go in - what a finish!”

Describing his goal, he said: “Another great finish! I couldn’t really miss! Collo did all the hard work and I just had to put it in the back of the net.”

Though displaced in the side by Nombe, Paterson heaped praise on the 27-year-old, admitting the task at hand in leading the line for Dons can be a thankless one at times, but he hopes to see his fellow front-man hit the back of the net soon.

He added: “Sam works really hard for us, I know the job he has at hand, when you give 100 per cent every game and nothing falls for you. It can be frustrating but he’s leading the line really well.

“You can’t take anything away from him, he’s just not getting any chances. Hopefully we can start creating some chances for him, get him some crosses and some chances.”