Surman adds a 'calmness' to MK Dons

Andrew Surman comes on to make his Dons debut

New signing Andrew Surman impressed Russell Martin in his 25 minute debut at Stadium MK on Saturday.

Surman replaced Jordan Houghton on 65 minutes as Dons chased the game - his first appearance of the season after being released by Bournemouth at the end of last season.

Despite his lack of match fitness though, Martin said the 34-year-old showed how easily he has fit into the system Dons like to play.

Surman was the first of five changes Russell Martin made against Hull

He said: "You could see the quality and calmness, the intensity and mindset he has to prove himself. He will fit in perfectly to what we're doing here. I wasn't expecting him to get as many minutes as he did, but he got on the ball and dictated play. The fact they sat someone on him after 10 minutes shows they didn't want him on the ball.

"He needs to get match fit now but he will be a really big signing for us."

Surman was the first of five substitutes Dons made on Saturday - the first time EFL clubs were able to make more than three changes after a rule change was approved on Wednesday.

"We didn't think about it too much," Martin continued. "We looked towards Tuesday when the game got away from us, but I don't know if it will be a help or hindrance.

"We make opposition teams work really hard against us, so it might help them. But it also gives us options. The whole reason behind it is to help teams and prevent injuries so it might do that."