Just over three years ago Callum Brittain made his MK Dons debut in. 4-1 defeat to Norwich Under-23s in the Football League Trophy, fast-forward to the present day and Brittain has recently ticked off his 100th appearance for the club.
At just 21-years of age, Brittain has become a mainstay in the Dons squad, and is just one of a number of Academy Graduates plying their trade at Stadium MK.
Brittain shares a dressing room with George Williams, Matty Sorinola, David Kasumu, Charlie Pattison, Sam Nombe, Dylan Asonganyi and Jay Bird – all of which have progressed through the club’s academy system.
Away from Stadium MK, George Baldock is making a name for himself for Sheffield United in the Premier League, while Kevin Danso earned a move to Southampton in the Summer and recently captained his nation in EURO Under-21 Qualifier in Milton Keynes.
Brittain feels the Dons Academy sets players up to achieve their dreams in the game and encourages players to play football the right way.
“I think the Club, as a whole, believes in players and the coaching in this area is very good,” he told The Red Dot Programme ahead of last weekend’s clash with Rotherham United. “They encourage you to play football out from the back. It’s a credit to the Club and the way the academy is set up because it encourages players to take risks.
“It’s nice sharing a dressing room with players you’ve progressed through with. There is no one left from my age, but it’s nice for the likes of Matty Sorinola and Jay Bird to have players like David and I to help integrate them into the dressing room.
Reflecting on his maiden appearance for the Club back in 2016, Brittain said, “I remember my debut was against Norwich Under-23s in the EFL Trophy. It was a good experience. I didn’t have a clue I was going to come on, I just remember warming up and then being called back. I wasn’t really nervous. I was much more nervous for my first start against Scunthorpe United because I knew the day before.”
***
MK Dons are back in action at Stadium MK on Tuesday 3rd December when they take on Coventry City in Round 2 of the Leasing.com Trophy.
Tickets are priced at just £5 adults and £1 under-18s, with unreserved seating in clubRed. Please note, there will be no clubRed benefits for this fixture.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.