Strong start to life at MK Dons pleases Darling

Only five games into his career at MK Dons and Harry Darling is already being lauded as one of the key signings of the season.

Darling was signed as a replacement for Richard Keogh during the January transfer window, arriving from League Two pace-setters Cambridge United.

Despite tasting defeat in his debut at Stadium MK against Charlton last month, the 21-year-old has been an ever-present as Dons have picked up 10 points from 12 available, climbing to 13th in League One.

Manager Russell Martin said he was delighted with the way the former Cambridge man has adapted to life at MK Dons, and the defender himself agreed.

"I'm pleased with the start so far," he said. "It's a credit to Russ and Luke as to how much time they've spent with me so far, both on and off the pitch. You need a lot of detail with the way we play, for them to stay patient with me has really helped. Credit to the boys and the gaffer, everyone has been brilliant for me and it's been an easy transition.

"It's different to what I was playing at Cambridge, but it's a style I wanted to play in which is why I wanted to come here. I see myself as a ball-playing centre half. It's a hard system to grasp but once you know what you're doing, it feels good to play in.

"If I lose the ball in the middle of the pitch, given the way we play, it leaves us very open and gives them a chance to score. There's pressure on my shoulders but I've got good players around me who I can trust with the ball and gives me the freedom to play my own game."

Though Dons are on a great run of form heading into the final 18 games of the season, Darling said there is no specific aim for the remainder of the campaign except to win as many games as they can.

He continued: "We just take it game-by-game, which is probably a boring answer! But that's it – we can't look too far ahead. We have to keep going as we are, play it by ear and look forward to the next game.

"We had a great week with Rochdale and Hull away – there was a lot of travelling and they were both tough games. Morale is really high at the moment and hopefully that continues."