MK Dons have a proud reputation for giving some of football’s most promising youngsters develop into stars.
Dele Alli and brothers Sam and George Baldock all came through the system at the Buckinghamshire club and last night’s EFL Trophy game against Leyton Orient enabled Scott Lindsey to use some of the current crop of youngsters.
19-Year-Old Reacts To Debut
One of those was Charlie Stirland, who was handed a first start for the club after appearing as a substitute in their other two EFL Trophy matches. Whilst the defender couldn’t stop The O’s from winning and subsequently eliminating them from the competition, he still found the experience rewarding.
Speaking to the MK Citizen following the game, he said:
“It was a good physical challenge, that’s what I’m trying to get used to. The technical ability is much higher than I’m used to. The physical element is similar but the technical ability is a lot better.
“Leyton Orient are from the league above us, so it’s something I’ll have to get used to if I want to play regularly in the first-team.
“I was at Leighton Town, but now I want to go higher and see what that can bring. (Being at Leighton) definitely helped me out there with the physical element. I’m going back out again soon, so I cannot wait to get started again.
“I need to get a bit more experience, get some consistency of games which is exactly what I need at this point in my career.”
Writer’s View
Charlie Stirland seems to have the faith of the MK Dons coaching staff for him to be a regular fixture in their EFL Trophy campaign. Whilst the competition receives a lot of flack for its format, it is brilliant for allowing League One, League Two and Premier League academy sides to give players experience at a competitive level. Milton Keynes are giving their defender plenty of opportunities and will now head back out on loan, likely at a higher level to give him the best development to become a future squad option.
Football journalist with The Real EFL since 2023. A 2024 Multimedia Journalism graduate from the University of Salford, Lewis specialises in Salford City FC and EFL coverage.
