MK Dons manager Liam Manning lauded Darragh Burns's character after he starred for his side in a 2-0 upset victory away to Watford in the League Cup on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Burns joined the League One team from St Pat's in July. Tuesday night was his second start for the club, and his fifth appearance over all.
He set up the opening goal of the game with a superb cross which left Matthew Dennis with a tap-in. Eight minutes in the second half, Burns doubled his team's advantage with a super strike from outside the box which found the bottom corner.
MK Dons boss 'really pleased' for Darragh Burns
1 July 2022; Former St Patrick's Athletic player Darragh Burns in among the supporters during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Drogheda United at Richmond Park in Dublin. Photo by George Tewkesbury/Sportsfile
"He's fearless," said Manning.
"You can see that if you know his character, his personality - he's not fazed by stepping out here and playing tonight against some hugely experienced players. He'll bring his qualities. It was a terrific finish for the second goal, and a great cross for the first one.
"I'm really pleased for him. He's had to be a little bit patient in terms of getting match minutes in the league. It's a great headache tonight in terms of what he does."
Darragh Burns shared his thoughts after the number 20 provided a goal and an assist in a 2-0 victory over Watford 👇 pic.twitter.com/AEcFy8jqJo
— Milton Keynes Dons (@MKDonsFC) August 23, 2022
For Burns, the game was particularly memorable as he performed so well in front of friends and family. Fellow former League of Ireland players Dawson Devoy and Warren O'Hora also started the game.
"A goal and an assist is a good night's work," said Burns.
"But we can't get too carried away! It's a big well done to the lads. Dawson passed me the ball, another Irish lad got an assist which was great too!
"I'm delighted that I had me Ma, little sister and a few mates in the crowd as well, so it was a special night for me.
"Me legs are in bits here. I have a dead leg, but sure look, it's part of the game. I would have took that if you'd offered it to me before the game.
How good was this fella last night?!
The brilliant Darragh Burns#MKDons pic.twitter.com/AJOEJi3GkV— Toby Lock (@Citizen_Toby) August 24, 2022
"I'm only over here a couple of weeks, I came from Ireland. I've got to be patient. I'm still only 20. There are some fairly experienced lads in the squad. Whenever I'm called upon, I've got to give it 100 per cent.
"When I was playing in Ireland, the club wasn't too far away. I was comfortable back home. It was a challenge coming over here. If you're serious about football, you have to come over to England as an Irish lad.
"The gaffer, all the lads, a few Irish lads here as well - Conor Grant's been in England for a while, Warren O'Hora - they've looked after me and Dawson very well, and have settled us in nicely."
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