Karl Robinson couldn’t hide his delight after seeing his young MK Dons side come from behind to beat Newport County in a thrilling EFL Cup tie at Rodney Parade.
Robinson’s side included 13 Academy graduates and players, eight of which were making their full debuts – three doing so during their apprenticeship period.
The young Dons found themselves 2-0 down with half an hour to play but three goals late on saw them secure a dramatic victory and cap off a memorable night for Robinson and the Football Club.
“I’m so happy for them and so proud of them all,” Robinson told MK Dons PlayerHD. “They deserve their night under the lights in South Wales and whatever they go on to do in their careers, this is something they’ll never forget.
“We saw this as an opportunity to put them on the pitch together but you just didn’t know how it was going to turn out, however I thought we played very well for certain parts of the game, against a very good team.”
He continued: “These are memories that will live with me forever. I said one day I’d put 11 players on the pitch in one game and, in some ways, I’ve done it.”
The young Dons found themselves 2-0 down with half an hour to play but three goals late on saw them secure a dramatic victory and cap off a memorable night for Robinson and the Football Club.
“I’m so happy for them and so proud of them all,” Robinson told MK Dons PlayerHD. “They deserve their night under the lights in South Wales and whatever they go on to do in their careers, this is something they’ll never forget.
“We saw this as an opportunity to put them on the pitch together but you just didn’t know how it was going to turn out, however I thought we played very well for certain parts of the game, against a very good team.”
He continued: “These are memories that will live with me forever. I said one day I’d put 11 players on the pitch in one game and, in some ways, I’ve done it.”
“The likes of Mike Dove, Ben Couzens, Dan Micciche, Eduardo (Rubio, Steve Kirby, Lewis Higgs and a number of other coaches, who have brought these kids through, deserve a mention. It’s a proud night for them too.”
With the exception of Daniel Powell, Robinson is the manager who has given debuts to 12 of those Academy graduates and players but the Liverpudlian was keen to thank those behind-the-scenes for their hard-work. MK Dons will look to make it three wins from three when they entertain Millwall at Stadium MK - tickets for this Saturday's clash are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s, £17 under-21s (members only) and £7 under-18s.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
