Skipper backs '˜under-rated' Kay after return

Kay hasn’t played since the 3-1 defeat away at Bolton in January, having lost his place in the side to Joe Walsh.

The 33-year-old was an ever present in the team which won promotion last season, but mistakes against Bristol City and scoring an own goal away at Leeds had fans calling for his place in the side.

With Walsh ruled out for three to four weeks with a hamstring problem, Kay returned to the side against QPR on Saturday, helping Dons to a 2-0 win, brushing aside his critics.

“He’s very under-rated,” said his captain, Dean Lewington. “He’s a fantastic defender and he puts his body on the line and he puts everything into every game. He’s a right-footed player playing on the left, if you did that with me it would be going all over the place.

“Sometimes, it’s a bit unfair, the criticism he gets, but he always gives 100 per cent. He’s a real leader for us. It was a loss to lose Joe, but he came in and did well.”