The Scot is eager to get back into Paul Warne’s plans at MK Dons, and the head coach is keen to see it

Paul Warne admitted he was pleased to hear of Callum Paterson’s disappointment at a lack of game time this season at MK Dons because he thinks it will get the best out of the Scot.

The 31-year-old has made only one league start this season, coming off the bench in four of the five games - a far cry from leading the line last season en route to being Dons’ top-scorer and multiple Team of the Season inclusions.

Speaking after his excellent performance off the bench against Wycombe Wanderers, which saw him play a part in two goals and score his first of the season in the dramatic 3-3 draw, Paterson admitted he was ‘disheartened’ by his lack of starts, and that he hoped his showing at Adams Park put him back on Warne’s radar.

The head coach said he was glad to hear the comments from his striker as it showed an eagerness to up his performance levels to force himself into the team through merit.

“I’m happy that Pato is disappointed that he’s not playing more, because he should be,” Warne said. “He’s a very talented player who should be in the team, so let’s see if he can get back in it.

“No footballer trains all week, lives like a saint and then turns up on Saturday excited to sit behind the manager. If they do, they’re at the wrong club, in the wrong sport and need a career change.

“I understand his frustrations, but I always try to pick a team that is going to win. I don’t dislike any of the players, but I have to pick the one I think will win. No manager in the history of football has ever left out their best player.

“If you’re not in my team, and I’ve told them straight, you just have to do more in training or when you come on to get into the team.

“He was a handful when he came on, he was involved in things, and that possibly puts him closer to making a start. You have to back it up every day and keep high standards. If you’re the best in the shooting drills, great. If you’re the best when we practice our shape, great, you’re starting to catch my eye.

“No-one gets into the team on reputation but what you’ve done this week and how I think the team should look this weekend.”

A player’s attitude to being left out of the starting XI is also a key factor in Warne’s thinking when it comes to picking his squad.

Warne continued: “We’ve got a really good dressing room but they’re human, they’ll have moments when they’re down in the dumps and feel like they can’t get into the team. It’s depressing at times to try and keep upbeat, train all the time and not see a way into the side.

“It blows my mind if someone tries less. You never think to give someone a chance if they’re not trying. You want your players to be disappointed but also to prove a point when they get their chance, and Pato definitely did that on Saturday.”