Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo says he can't wait to get the competitive juices flowing at Leicester this Saturday, but admits his team couldn't have asked for a tougher start to the League 1 campaign.

The newly-promoted Dons travel to the highly-fancied Foxes to kick-off the season this weekend, in what will be Di Matteo's first meaningful game as Dons boss.

It promises to be a baptism of fire for the Italian at the Walkers Stadium, as Nigel Pearson's men look to start their push for promotion back to the Championship.

But Di Matteo says a testing opening fixture will allow his team to set an immediately-high standard.

He said: "It's probably going to be one of the toughest games of our whole season but it's better for us to start like that. We'll know what we'll have to do for the rest of the season and what level we will have to be at.

"We're all looking forward to the start, we're happy that pre-season is over now and there are plenty of games coming up.

"You can see that everybody gets a bit more focused when they know it's a competitive game coming up with points to play for.

"I've seen the players all week, they know what's at stake and I think they're looking forward to it as well.

"I'm looking forward to getting the adrenaline rush in my blood once the league starts.

"It's not about one game though; it's going to be a long season so that's how we'll take it."

Along with the signing of striker Ali Gerba, Saturday's trip to Leicester was also preceded by the news that captain Keith Andrews has been removed from the transfer list - and Di Matteo couldn't be happier.

He said: "We've had no formal offers for Keith so we've taken him off the transfer list. I'm very pleased he's going to be with us for the start of the season.

"I'm very happy that the squad is settling down now and, I have to say, they have all responded very well to the training sessions. I think we're ready to start the season."

Tickets for the game will be on sale from the MK Dons Box Office until 5.00pm on Friday 8 August and thereafter from the Walkers Stadium. Click here for further information.

Those not making the trip to Leicester can hear live, full-match commentary of the game on Horizon Radio (103.3FM in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area) or on Dons World.