Ethan Laird has praised Russell Martin’s style of play as he talk fondly of his first loan spell in professional football.
Laird, who has grown with every game, has become an eye-catching talent down the right for MK Dons. His pace, tricky, and composure on the ball has seen him slot into Martin’s side effortlessly.
The 19-year-old spoke highly of Martin and his Coaching Staff for their philosophy, describing Martin’s style as ‘the proper way to play football.’
“The football is entertaining, it's everything you could ask for really,” Laird told iFollow MK Dons. “When we play like that, teams look defeated. When we're popping it about, it gives us so much time on the ball. I love it, and I know the rest of the team love it too.
“I feel like it's the proper way to play football. We have a style of play and we have to keep to it - that's how we'll get our success. Mistakes will happen - it's how we combat them.
“I couldn't ask for more from my first loan. The way the manager trusts me, the way Luke coaches, the way the team put their arms around me straight away - I couldn't ask for anything else.”
Laird was talking following MK Dons’ 1-1 draw with Oxford United. The Dons were dealt a cruel blow as Elliott Lee netted a 97th-minute equaliser to take a point from Stadium MK. The Manchester United loanee noted just how good the Dons can be when they avoid conceding early.
“We have to sometimes survive the early pressure as teams feel like they can get at us for the first 15-minutes. Once that happens, no-one can touch us. We have to keep that belief and keep doing what we do.
“We worked so hard, it's a bummer really because we didn't deserve that. It's something we need to learn on and we will get better.
“The more we play together the better we will get. We have a lot of conversations about how we play and we’ll only get better.”
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MK Dons return to action on Tuesday evening when they face Gillingham at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium. Kick-off is at 6pm.
Due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, the game will take place behind-closed-doors but MK Dons fans will still be able to watch the action courtesy of iFollow MK Dons.
With an iFollow MK Dons Video Match pass, you will be able to watch Martin's side in action on your laptop, computer, tablet or mobile device! Want to watch on your tablet or mobile device? Download the new EFL iFollow App and watch on the go, wherever you are!
To purchase a £10 Video Match Pass, click HERE and select Buy A Video Match Pass. Then simply log in to your iFollow MK Dons account and follow the instructions or register for an account, which can be done for free.
