Parachute centre-back Thompson lauded by Dons boss

Russell Martin was full of praise for Louis Thompson after an impressive showing out of position against Sunderland on Tuesday night.

The 26-year-old was an emergency centre-back against the Black Cats, with Zak Jules and Harry Darling both cup-tied, but adapted well to play a stand-out game, despite the 3-0 reverse.

MK Dons 0-3 Sunderland: Our Player RatingsThompson had played at centre-back during pre-season and against Stevenage in the Papa John's Trophy earlier this season, deeper than his usual midfield berth, but with Dons so light on the ground Martin admitted he didn't have any other choice than the Norwich loanee.

After spending more than two months out with a hamstring injury recently too, Martin was delighted with the return Thompson made, and with his showing against Sunderland.

"We haven't got anyone else!" he said. "He did brilliantly. We knew he could do it, playing on the right of the back three because he did it in pre-season. I thought he was excellent.

"It's nice to have a fit and firing Louis Thompson back. On Saturday, he dominated Piggott, softened AFC Wimbledon up and allowed Ben Gladwin to do what he does on the ball.

"We know wherever he will play, he has a brilliant mentality, we just need to keep him fit. He's powerful, strong, a great competitor and really calm too.

"With him and David Kasumu, you won't find many better who can do the ugly and nasty side of the game as well as them and be able to play football as well. Many can do one or the other, but not both."