Danny Green couldn’t have asked for a better return to first-team action, after he scored the decisive goal in the Dons’ FA Cup victory over Port Vale.
Green, making his first appearance in a competitive fixture since 26th August, tapped home a cross from Benik Afobe, just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute, to hand his side a fourth goal – one which proved crucial when the Valiants made it 4-3 late on.
The goal, which secured the Dons’ place in the second round of the FA Cup, was also his first for the Football Club.
“I’m delighted to have got on the scoresheet and pleased we’ve got through to the next round,” Green told MK Dons Player after the game. “It was great to just get back on the pitch and be with the lads again as well.
“(For the goal) Benik was different class to get past his man and then he’s cut the ball back. I wanted it to come to my right foot but it’s come to my left and I’ve just swung it at it and fortunately it’s trickled in.
“I’ll take them type of goals at this stage. While still getting back to fitness I’ll take anything that bounces off my leg and trickles into the corner.”
Green has endured a frustrating start to his first season as a permanent Dons player, having been limited to just four appearances prior to Saturday’s cup tie due to a frustrating injury which had sidelined him for eight weeks.
“I knew I was coming on for the last 20 minutes and when I did I was really excited. I’m just delighted to be back and now I want to get that match fitness back and start getting more goals and assists.
“It’s so frustrating when you’re out injured, there’s nothing worse, so to be back amongst the lads again is brilliant.”
As well as pleased from a personal point of view, Green was also delighted to see the Dons maintain their recent strong form by collecting their 12th victory of the season in all competitions.
“We were brilliant in the first half and played some really nice stuff,” he added. “We passed the ball around really well and I thought everyone was excellent. It was good to keep the momentum going.
“We always look dangerous going forward and when you’ve got Benik in the form he’s in at the moment, if you give him a chance he will score. It’s the same with Griggy as well, when he gets them opportunities.”
The goal, which secured the Dons’ place in the second round of the FA Cup, was also his first for the Football Club.
“I’m delighted to have got on the scoresheet and pleased we’ve got through to the next round,” Green told MK Dons Player after the game. “It was great to just get back on the pitch and be with the lads again as well.
“(For the goal) Benik was different class to get past his man and then he’s cut the ball back. I wanted it to come to my right foot but it’s come to my left and I’ve just swung it at it and fortunately it’s trickled in.
“I’ll take them type of goals at this stage. While still getting back to fitness I’ll take anything that bounces off my leg and trickles into the corner.”
Green has endured a frustrating start to his first season as a permanent Dons player, having been limited to just four appearances prior to Saturday’s cup tie due to a frustrating injury which had sidelined him for eight weeks.
“I knew I was coming on for the last 20 minutes and when I did I was really excited. I’m just delighted to be back and now I want to get that match fitness back and start getting more goals and assists.
“It’s so frustrating when you’re out injured, there’s nothing worse, so to be back amongst the lads again is brilliant.”
As well as pleased from a personal point of view, Green was also delighted to see the Dons maintain their recent strong form by collecting their 12th victory of the season in all competitions.
“We were brilliant in the first half and played some really nice stuff,” he added. “We passed the ball around really well and I thought everyone was excellent. It was good to keep the momentum going.
“We always look dangerous going forward and when you’ve got Benik in the form he’s in at the moment, if you give him a chance he will score. It’s the same with Griggy as well, when he gets them opportunities.”
