New Dons duo will need time get up to speed

Harry Darling and Matt O'Riley will need time to reach their full potential at MK Dons but both are ready to play if they are called upon.

O'Riley has been training with Dons on a non-contract basis since the summer but is lacking full match-fitness, while Darling arrives from Cambridge having played more than 20 games this season, but unfamiliar with Dons' style of play.

Though Russell Martin is low on numbers due to injuries at the moment, both his new charges are being afforded time to get up to speed before too much is expected of them.

He said: "Matt has been here a while, Harry will need some work and we will probably do some work before the window ends. The way we play does take a lot of work to adapt with, I’m okay with that.

"Matt’s in a very good place physically, he’s got a brilliant attidue and is often the first in and last to leave. He’ll need to get up to match speed, but he knows how we play, our culture amd the squad know how good of a player he is.

"Harry might take some time to settle in but he’s going to help us this season 100 per cent. He’ll help us long term too and be a very good player for this football club and will really add to this group.

"It’s a big plus he’s playing games and has played a lot of football despite his age. He’s used to comeptiting and being really focused."