O'Riley impresses to earn MK Dons contract

Matt O'Riley had been training with MK Dons for six months before signing for the club.

The 20-year-old free agent, formerly of Fulham, met up with Russell Martin's in the summer initially to maintain fitness. But the attacking-midfielder has impressed the manager, coaches and the players around him to earn a contract with the club - with both clubs having agreed a compensation package to sign the player.

O'Riley made four appearances for Fulham last season, including a Championship outing on New Year's Day in 2020, but has not played a competitive game since being released in June, turning down a deal to remain at Craven Cottage.

“I’ve been here training with the boys for six months now and I’ve loved every minute,” O’Riley said. “I initially came here just to keep fit after leaving Fulham but it felt like the perfect place for me. We looked into whether something could be done and, eventually, here we are.

“I haven’t played a game in quite a while but I have been training here for quite a while so I’m feeling sharp and ready to go. Hopefully I can get some minutes soon and start making an impact.

“I’m very excited to get going, especially in this team. This is my ideal style of football and I hope to come in and bring goals and assists and be as creative as possible.”

Manager Russell Martin added: "We all recognised, very quickly, what a gifted footballer he is and why he’s been wanted by some big clubs over the last few years.

“He’s come to a point in his career where he just wants to play football, but he’s also been willing to wait and hold out for a move here, which is an incredible statement of intent.

“It’s going to be a brilliant and important signing for us. He’s certainly one for the long term but he can also help us in the short term because he’s been training with us and understands how we want to play.”