Laird: I feel like I can run through walls

The Academy youngster has racked up 18 appearances for the Buckinghamshire side since making a rapid debut in the Emirates FA Cup third round at Burnley.

The regular schedule of matches and physical nature of the division, even if the Dons play an extremely stylish brand of football, has helped the 19-year-old to show he is over some injury issues that delayed his progress, after making senior appearances for the Reds against Astana and AZ Alkmaar in late 2019.

"At the moment, I couldn’t be happier," he told us. "You know I had my struggles with injuries and quite a lot of setbacks. I’ve always said ‘major comebacks’ to you, haven’t I really? I really feel this part of my journey is what I needed, to cement where I am in my head and where I can go because, obviously, being injured can get into your head.

“Even though you think positively about it, it does make you think: ‘Ah, don’t get injured again’. Now the fact I’ve played 18 games, my body feels strong. I feel a lot stronger and quicker. Mentally, I know I can almost do anything on the pitch and do things where there’s nothing holding me back. Even though there wasn’t anyway, sometimes you have a little doubt in your mind that you don’t want to get injured. That hasn’t been the case and is one thing I’ve been so happy about.

“Now I have the confidence that I can almost run through a wall on the pitch! [Smiles] I can do as much as I can and that’s the best thing I have got out of this. Being out with injuries and this and that can really affect you. It’s cemented with me that I can really do this – two games a week? I’ve got this. It really feels good and is really encouraging.”

Laird fell on his shoulder in the recent game with Plymouth but was fit to go again in the next game so we asked if this backed up his confidence in dealing with the physical elements of League One.

"Of course," he replied." The physicality change is quite drastic as in, like, the stuff you claim in the Under-23s games but no-one is saying anything here [laughs] in the game. It’s a learning curve and I’m glad about it. I just get on with the game, kind of thing. Obviously, as I keep doing my thing, I’m taking a lot of fouls, and I had a little knock because I fell a bit awkwardly, but I bounced back up and kept playing. I had a little check-up but knocks happen and I’m still playing so I’m happy.”

The right-back has been playing in a more advanced position on that flank as part of manager Russell Martin's preferred formation and is enjoying the fluid football the Dons play, which has garnered admirers from far and wide.

"It’s different in a way but not different to what I was doing anyway, it’s just higher up the pitch, you can say," he explained. "The defending part is just defending a bit higher up the pitch, the attacking part is just a bit higher up the pitch. I am basically doing the job I would usually do, which is what the gaffer Russell Martin said: ‘Play as you play.’ There are just a few things to work on positionally as you used to be a bit deeper but play as you play, and I’m loving it really. Honestly, it’s given me the freedom I needed to express myself and the gaffer is not afraid to say: ‘Ethan, go and do your thing’. It’s all I can ask for really to show what I am made of.

“Oh, honestly, I came here and was kind of like I know we play football, but I didn’t think we’d play this much football!" he added. “It was so pleasing to the eye and being on the pitch gives you so much confidence in everyone. Everybody is a ball player! Obviously, not all League One teams are like that and there are certain methods of play which are different. I’m glad we’re so bold and confident in our ability to play the way we play. We get joy out of it. Teams change their way of playing because of how we play and we just stick to how we play, which is the brilliance of it, the confidence in how we play, and I’m enjoying every minute. Honestly, it’s just brilliant to be a part of.”

The advice being passed on to Laird from the staff at Stadium MK is helping to develop the teenager's ability to power down the wing to create opportunities for his team-mates.

"Russell Martin, Luke Williams, they have given me dimes," added Laird.. "Honestly, the information they have been giving me; just little things I’ve not thought about before. For example, there is a thing they talk about the angle of approach when you’re driving at a player

"I never thought about that too much before, I’m just there to beat the player but it’s making you think about how you beat a player and opening it out to these sort of things. Honestly, they’re trying to make me learn as much as possible while I’m here."