Having returned from injury much quicker than expected, Scott Golbourne is looking to play his part in the run-in and help MK Dons secure their Sky Bet League One status.
The on-loan defender has been sidelined since January with a hip problem which required surgery but is back in training and looking to make an impact between now and the end of the season.
"I'm looking forward to playing some games before the end of the season," he told iFollow MK Dons. "There was talk about this season being finished and not playing again so if I can play a few games that would be a big goal hit for me this season.
"There are certain aspects of the rehab where you have to grind it out but fortunately there have been a few guys in there with me too – Joe Walsh, Alex Gilbey and Osman Sow have been in from time to time and it meant we had a good group of guys together, motivating each other through the tough stages.
"It has been a real positive recovery and a lot shorter than what was first predicted. I feel physically good and I feel quite fresh mentally too, having had a break."
On watching from the sidelines, Golbourne said: "It is difficult to watch the side struggling because there is not a lot you can offer, other than words of encouragement.
"It's important, even when you aren't involved, to keep an eye on what's needed if and when you get a chance to play again. It's important to see, if you can, what you think is going wrong and what can be better, so when you get back in the team, you can add to it and be a spark – bring something to the team."
Golbourne returns to a Dons side that has changed formation to include wing backs and has bolstered the left side of the defence with the likes of Josh Tymon and Ben Tilney. Robbie Muirhead has also impressed while playing at left wing-back.
The 30-year-old relishes the competition and says he would be comfortable playing as a wing-back if called upon to do so.
"There is a lot of competition for players all over the pitch, which is what you need – it's healthy. Everyone needs to bring their best to the shirt to maintain their place in the squad.
"I've played [wing-back] many times, so it's not new to me. It's an exciting formation when it's fluid and works – it's difficult to play against and you can upset a lot of teams.
"It's working well for us so far – we're creating a lot of chances and we look a dangerous side on the front foot."
He added: "We're building momentum, confidence is coming back and it's perfect timing for me to come back into the side."
