Young players need to impose themselves on senior first-team - Warne

With some impressive displays coming from MK Dons’ academy products in pre-season, Paul Warne has urged them to try and stay in his plans for the campaign ahead.

Brooklyn Kazungu has been one of the stars of the friendly games so far this summer, while Simone Troso has also tried to take the bull by the horns in his appearances at left wing-back.

Dons are short on numbers in the wide areas, and though Warne is eager to bring in players before the season kicks off in a couple of weeks, the likes of Troso and Kazungu are doing themselves no harm in making the head coach sit up and pay attention.

“It’s about keeping them in the group now,” he said. “It’s a senior group, it’s difficult to impose yourself on it. I think the lowest appearance maker must be around 200 appearances, so the academy lads have done really well. It’s really good for the club going forwards.”

After assistant head coach Richie Barker praised Kazungu for his impact this summer after Saturday’s game against Wealdstone, Warne spoke of his impressed he was with Troso’s involvement in the goal-less draw with Barnet.

The youngster came close with an effort on goal of his own, while also providing two good crosses for Sam Nombe and Aaron Collins.

“They know how much we love crosses, and important how much Sam and Pato love crosses,” said Warne. “I thought (Troso) was really good, put some really good balls in and he has had a really good pre-season with us.”