MK Dons manager has urged Aston Villa youngster to ‘get even better’ during impressive loan spell

MK Dons manager Liam Manning has heaped the praise on Aston Villa youngster Kaine Kesler Hayden but urged the 19-year-old to ‘get even better’ during the final few games of his loan spell.

Hayden, who spent the first half of the season with League Two side Swindon Town, impressed enough to jump up a league and link up with League One promotion hopefuls MK Dons in January and his performances have once again had him catching eyes and making headlines.

Deployed predominantly as a right-back during his time with the Robins, the teenager has been used further forward as either a right or left sided midfielder in the league above - a move that Manning says has seen him get ‘progressively better.’

One aspect of his game that he will be looking to improve as we head into the homestretch of the season is his goals and assist tally of which he only has one of each for the Dons.

And it’s a challenge that has been laid out by Manning himself, who wants the 19-year-old to get even better and help the team secure promotion come season end.

“This is his first season in professional football,” the Dons manager told the MK Citizen.

“He did well in League Two (whilst on loan at Swindon Town) and since coming here, he has progressively got better.

“He has a huge amount to get better at and improve upon but he has so many positive aspects to his game – his fearlessness, how quick he is, his desire, his energy. He has so many positive attributes but I want to see him get even better.

“He has to turn potential into performance. He is such a good character, and he has done really well.”

The Dons currently sit second in League One and Hayden will have the chance to add a promotion to his belt in his first season in professional football.

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