Wing-backs lauded after win over Rovers

2On a night of comfortable and relatively untroubled performances in the MK Dons ranks, Ethan Laird and Matthew Sorinola stood out during the 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Afforded plenty of space to roam into in the attacking third at the Memorial Stadium and both could have come away with goals too - Laird over-thinking in front of goal before he could get a shot away, while Sorinola crashed a fierce effort off the crossbar.

Both were also victims of some awful Rovers' challenges - the only way the home side could get close to stopping either of them at times on the night.

Laird's loan from Manchester United ends at the end of the season and he is unlikely to return to Stadium MK next season, but Sorinola is also out of contract at the club and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, meaning both could be entering the final three games of their time at the club.

Dons boss Russell Martin though said he could not speak highly enough of the pair both after their showing against Bristol Rovers, and for their attitude and desire to improve.

"They're two guys who are getting better all the time," said Martin. "Ethan is such a threat, it's a shame we've only had him for a short period. His parent club are really happy with his development. He's grown up a lot, he's always smiling. He had a chance tonight, I thought he was going to score and so did he, I think he was already celebrating in his mind. But that's the lack of experience.

Matty was incredible tonight. For his age, he's so defensively diligent. You trust him. He's getting better going forward too. His balance, his power, he's got all the attributes.

"It's no coincidence that they all work hard and they improve."