Russell Martin says Saturday’s debutant Lewis Johnson deserved his appearance against Bristol Rovers and hinted that the attacker may feature more this season.
Johnson came off the bench against Gas to make his first league appearance and also become the 250th player to represent MK Dons in an EFL fixture.
The 16-year-old has featured three times in total this campaign and Martin is expecting that number to increase during the remainder of the 2020/21 season.
“They aren’t in the squad for the sake of it – they’ve earned their place in the team,” Martin said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One clash with Swindon Town.
“I watched Lewis in the FA Youth Cup last month and he was outstanding. Since then, he’s trained with us and, like Jack Davies, earned his chance. We wouldn’t have put him on the pitch, if he haven’t have earned it.
“I thought he did well on Saturday and I expect him, Jack and some of the others to get more chances this season - when they do, they have to take that opportunity.”
