Positive signs after Jules' Dons debut

Wing-back is not the role Russell Martin sees Zak Jules in long-term, despite handing the deadline day signing his debut there on Saturday.

Jules played the opening hour against Sunderland as Dons drew 2-2 with the promotion-chasing Black Cats at left wing-back.

The Dons boss though sees Jules as a member of the back three in the long-term but wanted to have Jules on the pitch against Sunderland for his physicality and intensity.

"He's not really a wing-back, we asked him to do that job for his intensity and power, he's only had two days working on it in training. He won a lot in the air, it's just a different intensity he brings. He will be a good signing for us.

"I don't see him playing there, I see him as part of the back three eventually, but with Dean Lewington playing so well, I just wanted him on the pitch.

"In his first game today, he did really well and he will be up to speed with the intensity. In a few games, you'll see a different Zak Jules too. He did well in that position."

On the opposite flank, Martin also praised Manchester United loanee Ethan Laid for how much he has improved since signing for Dons last month, adding: "The difference between Ethan Laird in his first game and today is miles apart. He was brilliant."