What ever happened to Robbie Neilson's Scottish imports?

The arrival of Robbie Neilson at the helm of MK Dons in 2016 from Hearts sparked an influx of signings from north of the border in the form of Robbie Muirhead, Peter Pawlett and Aidan Nesbitt.

Muirhead was the first to arrive from Hearts in January 2017 - Neilson's first signing for his new club. The 20-year-old was fresh off scoring a brace over Rangers in Neilson's final game in charge at Tynecastle. Despite being a regular in the side, Muirhead struggled for goals in the front line. When he did score though, they were often spectacular - his first Dons goal against Gillingham was the pick of the bunch.The following season though, Dons struggled under Neilson's guidance and when they slipped into the relegation zone in January 2018, the manager was sacked. Muirhead's impact began to increase under new boss Dan Micciche and after three goals in three games, including a brace against Rotherham, he was called up to Scotland's U21 squad. Though he was an unused substitute in Latvia, Muirhead was rushed back on an overnight flight and played for Dons the following day.

Dons would be relegated in humiliating circumstances in the end though, prompting the arrival of Paul Tisdale as manager in the summer. Failing to impress during pre-season, Muirhead was sold to Dunfirmline for an undisclosed fee. But in 14 appearances for the club, he featured in just three wins all season and failed to find the net. He then signed for Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship, scoring one goal in 19 games.

Aberdeen's Peter Pawlett was the second SPL signing through the door at Stadium MK, signing a pre-contract agreement in March 2017, but his 18-month stint at the club was riddled with injury. Limited to just 35 appearances, Pawlett was often the forgotten man and struggled to string a run of games together to establish himself in the side. After Neilson's appointment at Dundee United, he rekindled his interest in Pawlett and swooped for the midfielder in January 2019 where he remains.

Neilson's third venture north was to land Celtic youngster Aidan Nesbitt. After impressing on loan at Greenock Morton, the tricky winger signed a two-year deal with Dons. A lively substitute, Nesbitt made just 10 starts for the club, none of which came after the arrival of Tisdale in summer 2018. Like Pawlett, Nesbitt reunited with Neilson at Dundee United where he played eight times before he returned to Morton, teaming up with friend and former team-mate Muirhead. And it looks like Nesbitt has thrived in the Scottish Championship, racking up 27 games and five goals this season.