The ex-Derby man is nearly able to rejoin his MK Dons team-mates

There is light on the horizon for defender Kane Wilson as he is just a couple of weeks away from getting back to full training.

The former Derby County man played a little over an hour on his debut last September after moving from Pride Park but was not seen again for the remainder of the season, having undergone several knee surgeries.

The most recent of his operations came in the latter part of last term, meaning he has, as yet, been unable to rejoin his MK Dons team-mates in pre-season training, but he is now closing in on the final few weeks before he can get back to it.

Another man missing for much of pre-season is skipper Alex Gilbey. Featuring in just three minutes against Maidenhead, the captain suffered a knee injury which has kept him out of the last few weeks. Initially concerned he could need to go under the knife, Gilbey has avoided that fate and could also be in line to reintegrate into the squad around the same time as Wilson.

Head coach Paul Warne confirmed: “Kane is doing really well in training. He’s running at a good speed, he’s got to start with his turning which will be another tick box and then he can hopefully join in with the rest of the squad in two or three weeks, which will be great.

“Gilbs is flying with his recovery too.”

Both Jay Matete and Will Collar, who also missed the end of last season after hamstring surgery, are still having their minutes monitored in pre-season but otherwise, Warne has been pleased with how the players have progressed ahead of the season kicking off in a little over a week.

He added: “We’ve got to this part of pre-season and most of the lads have contributed to four weeks good work which puts them in good stead for the season ahead.”