Brooklyn Ilunga became the seventh Academy Graduate to make his MK Dons debut this Summer and has thanked Russell Martin and his staff for their belief in his abilities.
The 17-year-old replaced the injured Matt O’Riley with 68-minutes on the clock and looked lively and energetic throughout the final stages at Stadium MK.
The forward notes how the involvement of the matchday squad came as a surprise to Ilunga - and he noted his appreciation to the first-team players and staff in making his transition so easy.
“I'm still overwhelmed,” Brooklyn told iFollow MK Dons following his debut. “I have to give a huge thank you to the staff who believed in me and gave me the opportunity. Despite the result - I'm delighted to make my debut.
“To be honest, it came as a complete surprise - I didn't expect it at the start of the week. I'm just grateful for the chance. This club is known for growing the players and I'm so pleased to be showing everyone what I can do.
“It is a completely different environment to get used to. But they all welcomed me in, and once I got going, my confidence kept growing. I loved every single second of it.”
At the start of the season, Ilunga was competing for a spot in the Under-18s alongside Lewis Johnson. The latter would go on to sign his first professional contract at Stadium MK having featured in nine games this season.
Ilunga highlighted the importance of having a target to aim for and how Johnson earning his professional contract has motivated the rest of the Young Dons.
“The other lads see Lewis as a role model, he's motivated all of us. The levels he's been playing, we all want to reach. We're proud of him, and it correlates to my motivation and excitement to train with the first team.
“The main objective is to stay in this environment, keep striving to be training and playing with the first team.”
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Season Tickets are now on sale for the 2021/22 campaign, with no supporter paying more than £230.
As a way of saying thank you, and providing some certainty in an uncertain world, the Club has made the decision, for one season only, to cap the maximum price of an Adult Season Ticket in all areas of the stadium at £230 - that works out at £10 per game!
If you would like to pay for your Season Ticket using the Club’s interest-free direct-debit scheme, and be able to spread the cost into smaller monthly payments, click HERE to download a Direct-Debit mandate form. Alternatively, you can visit us at Stadium MK, email boxoffice@mkdons.com or call 01908 622922.
