Thompson calls for Dons players to stand up and be counted in relegation scrap

Louis Thompson knew Russell Martin from their time together at Norwich

The 25-year-old joined the club on loan from Norwich City a couple of weeks ago and made his debut against Sunderland last time out, having spent the early part of the season on loan at fellow League One side Shrewsbury.

Joining alongside fellow Canaries team-mate Carlton Morris, Thompson knew Russell Martin from their time together at Carrow Road and was eager to move ot Stadium MK when he learned of their interest.

But less than two weeks into his MK Dons career, Thompson says it does not feel like a club battling relegation.

Thompson was a substitute against Sunderland on his debut.

He said: "The spirit in the dressing room doesn't reflect where we are in the league, but that's great – you don't want to be down in the dumps and feeling sorry for yourself. You don't want shrinking violets in the dressing room, it's time for people to stand up and be counted. To a man, we have to fight for everyone associated with the club to stay in this division.

"We are where we are and we know what we need to do to get out of it. It doesn't feel like we are where we are, the performances have better than what we've got in terms of results, but we'll win more than we'll lose playing this way. Soon enough, we'll get our just rewards."

Thompson arrived at Stadium MK off the back of a couple of frustrating seasons with injury. Struggling to break out at Norwich, problems with his Achilles saw his opportunities limited. After a few games with Shrewsbury, Thompson now hopes he can get back to the levels he reached with Swindon which peaked the interest of the Canaries in 2016.

He said: "I've had a tough couple of years with injuries, I've been given this opportunity to prove myself. Hopefully, I will go to where I need to go, as well as helping out here and getting that winning feeling back. When you're injured, the biggest thing you miss is that winning feeling after picking up three points on a Saturday.

"I'm combative, all-action. I like to get involved going forward, but do my fair share defensively. I cover as much as ground as I can and be the team player every one needs. I'm not afraid of doing the dirty work. Nothing quite emulates playing football, and I'm thankful to Russ for showing me that faith."