Defender Oran Jackson believes MK Dons can be proud of their performance against Premier League opposition and feels there are a lot of positives to take from the Carabao Cup clash.
Bournemouth fielded over £70 million worth of talent on Tuesday evening, and despite the difference between the two sides, Jackson stated the Dons didn’t look out of place at The Vitality Stadium.
“I think this game is not a negative at all - there is a lot of positives to take from it,” Oran told iFollow MK Dons following the final whistle on Tuesday evening.
“Bournemouth are a Premier League side and we put in a good performance against them. I know the score doesn’t match that but we played well - it’s given us a lot of confidence for our next game.
“It was a very experienced Bournemouth side - we gave it all we had but they came out on top.”
Jackson was given the task of marking the vastly experienced Jermain Defoe. The 19-year-old stated he feels he dealt with the threat of the former England international well and can take pride in his performance.
“I grew up watching [Jermain] Defoe and it was an honour to play against him and some of the other players – but when you’re in the game you just need to block it out of your mind.
“You can have a chat with him after the game but when you’re playing it is strictly football and I thought I did well against someone of his calibre.
“There were a lot of positives to take for me personally and for the team. Now, we’re ahead to the game on Saturday.”
Also earning minutes against the Cherries were fellow academy graduates Finn Tapp and Sam Nombe – two players Oran has a close connection with following their simultaneous rise through the academy system.
“It was great to see the other academy lads come on. I’ve grown up with these boys and it makes me happy and I’m sure it’s the same feeling for them too – I’m very proud of them.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve started for the first-team and when I got the call it was enlightening, butterflies came and I was very excited.”
Attention now returns to Sky Bet League Two action with Swindon next up for Paul Tisdale’s side. Although Tuesday saw the Dons unbeaten start to the season come to an end – Oran feels the league is the main focus for the men from MK1 this season.
“We’re still unbeaten in the league and that’s all that matters. We want to get promoted as soon as possible and get to where we should be. We always want to go as far as we can in the Cup but there are other priorities and the league is our main one.”
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MK Dons return to Sky Bet League Two action this Saturday afternoon when they travel to The Energy Check County Ground to take on Swindon Town.
Tickets are priced at £23 adults, £17 seniors/students, £10 under-21s, £6 under-18s and £2 under-11s.
Travel is on sale for this fixture, priced at £15 for Season Ticket holders and £16 for all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 12pm.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
