Youth to get their chance against Southampton

The final group game of the Papa John's Trophy looks set to be a youth-filled encounter between MK Dons and Southampton U21s.

After playing seven games in three weeks, and with Dons already into the second round, Russell Martin looks set to field a young side against the Saints to give his regulars a rest.

After break-out performances in the competition down the years from David Kasumu, Sam Nombe and Matthew Sorinola, Martin says the Trophy offers the academy players an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

He said: "I think it’s massive and the fact we’re playing against a youth team tells you that there has a been a real direction to help promote young players.

"The academy players can see it’s important for the rest of their careers. They get looked at differently by the players, staff and fans.

"At the same time, it’s an important competition for all teams, it’s a chance to win something and to play at Wembley. The first two games have allowed us to feel comfortable enough to do that.

If I didn’t feel comfortable playing these lads I wouldn’t. we have to make sure we use players who we feel are ready and give them a platform to play, it could propel them into first-team football if they grasp it.

"They’ll be surrounded by players who have played 100s of games and will help them through the match we’re in the competition to try win it, there’s a big carrot at the end of it and the lads will be reminded of it."