O'Hora an 'interesting project' for Dons boss

Russell Martin believes he has a rough diamond in defender Warren O'Hora.

The 21-year-old Brighton defender, on loan at Stadium MK for the season, made his debut for the club during Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy.

O'Hora missed Saturday's Carabao Cup clash with Coventry after suffering a concussion while on U21s duty with the Republic of Ireland, but went straight into the side on Tuesday once confirmed fit again.

Particularly in the second period, O'Hora looked solid and reliable alongside Dean Lewington and Baily Cargill as part of Dons' three-man defence, having started shakily against Northampton.

Martin, who played in excess of 500 career games in defence, said O'Hora has all the attributes of becoming a top-class centre back, and that he needs to help extract that ability during the course of his season-long loan spell at the club.

"Warren started a bit slow, but he soon got up to speed," said Martin after Tuesday night's win. "He was really good in the second half, really physical and aggressive, good on the ball.

"He's an interesting project because he's not our player but he's got so much potential and we have to maximise that to our advantage. Looking at him, he's the perfect shape, he's got athleticism for his position and he's young guy.

"He has George Williams and Richard Keogh who will challenge him and make him better. I was really pleased with him."