“We’re happy but we know there is more to come and hopefully we can show that”

Sitting fourth in League Two at this stage of the season is fine but not exactly what MK Dons had in mind for their campaign, according to Jack Sanders.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Barnet saw Paul Warne’s side drop now four points off the early pace, currently being set by Walsall and Swindon Town, with this weekend’s opponents Salford City currently occupying the third automatic promotion spot.

The result at The Hive is perhaps a point gained rather than two dropped after turning things around from 2-0 down after 28 minutes, but Sanders said there have been games along the way so far where Dons believe they should have picked up more.

“We’re satisfied with our start but we know we can be better,” he said. “There are a few draws and losses which we know could have gone our way. We’re happy but we know there is more to come and hopefully we can show that.

“The morale is really good. This year, there is a different environment which the manager has set out. Dressing room morale is so important, like a winning ethos. Winning helps the dressing room, naturally.”

Speaking after the game on Saturday, Barnet boss Dean Brennan said he was envious of Warne’s options at his disposal, especially off the bench. That strength in depth is something which Sanders feels has all of the players on their toes every day in training, knowing there is someone waiting to take a starting berth as soon as they are afforded the opportunity.

Sanders continued: “When you look across the team, there are a lot of players who can play in a lot of positions, and some brilliant players who aren’t playing a lot of football at the moment. You know if you come off your game, there is someone itching to come into your position.

“You’ve got to keep your standards as high as possible and when you make a mistake, you’ve got to bounce back and hope it doesn’t happen again.

“If you’re not playing, it’s important to keep your standards up. It’s easy when you’re not playing to get down but we’ve not seen that. Everyone is upbeat, and if someone comes out of the team, the next player is raring to go.

“That’s the good thing about this squad - you’ve got to be on it every day.”