Collins goals good news for MK Dons - Warne

Boss Paul Warne was delighted to see Aaron Collins back among the goals following an injury-disrupted start to the striker's MK Dons career.

The former Bolton Wanderers forward netted twice in a 4-0 win over Harrogate Town and should have had a hat-trick, only to be denied by keeper James Belshaw in a one-on-one.

Collins' only previous goal since joining the League Two club in the summer came in the EFL against West Ham's Under-21 side in mid-September.

"We've lost (Nathaniel) Mendez (Laing) for a period, he's been colossal for us and in really good form but as always it's next man up, Collo comes in, desperate to play and score, and he did both, so that was really pleasing," Warne told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"When he got clean through, I thought he'd put it in comfortably (for his third) but fair play to the keeper, he stood up and gambled."

Collins scored his second from close range when it appeared Callum Patterson's initial header was already on its way into the net.

"If he stole it, (there's) no doubt Patto would have done the same to Collo. It's a jungle out there, you've got to get your goals when you can, so no complaints from me," said Warne.

"The timing was perfect. He'd played a little bit, he's trained for a few weeks now... as cohesive as an injury and a return goes, it was right up there.

"No doubt when we see Natty (Mendez-Laing) again in late Feb, March, the same might happen and that's why you need a solid squad, you're always going to lose players along the way and it's trying to keep those on the periphery motivated, included, fit and ready."

MK Dons are fifth in League Two ahead of the Christmas and New Year fixtures, just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Their next two games are at home - against Swindon Town and Notts County, currently second and fourth.