Jordan Houghton has been one of MK Dons’ standout performers since the appointment of Russell Martin, and the Dons boss certainly didn’t hide his admiration for the midfielder when asked about his current form.
Houghton has been virtually ever present under Martin’s management and has drawn plenty of plaudits for his recent performances.
“I love Jordan Houghton, it’s as simple as that!” his manager said in Wednesday’s press conference, ahead of the Sky Bet League One clash with Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
“I really believe in him as player. We’ve given him a lot of responsibility in that role and he’s taken that on brilliantly. I have so much respect and admiration that he’s doing it and doing it so well.
“He’s a leader in the group. He’s not the loudest but he’s certainly a leader in terms of the responsibility he takes on in games. He competes too and takes a lot of pressure off the back four. His teammates really appreciate what he does.
“I’m really pleased with him and if we maintains that standard, he will end the season as one of our standout performers, there’s no doubt about it.”
Houghton is a key component in Martin’s style of play, which sees the Dons play out from the back at every opportunity. The boss addressed the concerns that some have had in the way his team operates coming out of defence.
“People keep asking me about playing out from the back and whether we are doing it too much. We aren’t just doing it for the sake of it, there is a purpose to it and the players know why we do it.
“We work extremely hard on what we do. We’re asking a lot of the squad to do things they weren’t originally comfortable with but they are doing it brilliantly. They have been amazing in the way in which they have taken it on.
“I hope that people are starting to see the benefits of what we are doing. It won’t always work and we will make mistakes, at times doing it, but I have a firm belief in what we do.”
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Jordan Houghton and MK Dons are back in Sky Bet League One action this weekend when they take on Shrewsbury Town at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Tickets are priced at £20 adults, £15 seniors/students/young adults and £8 juniors while under-12s go FREE.
Official Away Travel is available for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £18 Season Ticket holders/members and £19 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 10.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
