Striker Izale McLeod believes Saturday’s win over Walsall was an ‘important result’ for the Football Club but insists the side must, now, build on it.
McLeod scored twice and earned a penalty as MK Dons beat the play-off contending Saddlers 3-0 last weekend to claim their first win in four games and put an end to a run of three straight defeats.
The victory lifted Karl Robinson’s side into ninth in the Sky Bet League 1 table, keeping their chances of making a late push for the play-offs alive and McLeod has called upon his team-mates to maintain their form heading into this weekend’s clash with Oldham Athletic.
Speaking to MK Dons Player, McLeod said: “It was an important result for the Club because recent form hasn’t been great and coming away from home is always difficult in League 1. We set our stall out to high press and be really difficult to beat. It was a really good victory and performance.
“We had, had a really good week of training and everyone was really sharp and at it and I think that made the difference. When you have a really good week then you go into the Saturday game feeling sharp and if we can keep that up then hopefully we can take it into future games.
“Every club in this League’s aim is to put a run together and we’re no different. It’s a real good win but it’s only one win. We’ve got to stay grounded and go into the next game with the same hunger and desire and try to get another three points.”
It has been a frustrating seven months for McLeod, having been limited to just six starts behind Patrick Bamford, Chris Long and, more recently, Daniel Powell this season; his second since returning to Milton Keynes from Portsmouth.
McLeod’s opening goal on Saturday was his first in the League since September and with his overall performance also drawing plaudits from his manager and fans a-like, the 29-year-old is eager to make the most of his opportunity in the starting XI.
McLeod added: “I was really happy with my finishes. I see myself as an instinctive striker so I like to try different things and different kinds of finishes and so I’m really pleased that both strikes went in.
“It has been difficult for me to break into the side this season because, obviously, Patrick was here at the start and he was scoring a lot of goals. Hopefully in this second half of the season I can keep my place in the team.
“I’ve just got to keep working hard in training, keep improving my game and see what happens. You’re always going to have setbacks you just have to stay strong and believe in your own ability, which I do, and when your chance comes along, take it.”
