MK Dons boss gives blunt response on Sonny Finch as Middlesbrough loanee struggles for game time

MK Dons boss Scott Lindsay admits that Middlesbrough loanee Sonny Finch could find game-time difficult this season, with their options at the top of the pitch strong.

Finch impressed during Boro's pre-season campaign and was sent on loan to MK Dons this season where it was hoped he would gain experience playing regular League Two football. However, just as he was working his way into the fold, head coach Mike Williamson left for Carlisle and he's found opportunities non-existent under the new boss.

With his last start coming on October 8 in the EFL Trophy, the 19-year-old hasn't even made the bench for any of the Dons' last five league games. It was for that reason that he was recently back on Teesside, where he played for Boro U21s in the Premier League International Cup against Lyon.

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Reacting to that decision, and Finch's lack of opportunities, Lindsay told the MK Citizen: “Game time at the moment is limited because we've signed Scott Hogan and he's been great, we're got Ellis [Harrison], and we've got Callum Hendry coming back to full fitness as well. It will be difficult for Sonny moving forward, but you never know what is around the corner; there is always an opportunity.

“They contacted us last week asking whether he could go back for a week, and we agreed. They mentioned he could get some minutes in a game, and we were fine with that. There is a possibility he does that again this weekend and returns here next week.

“He's done well when he's come on the pitch - he got a goal and an assist at Harrogate - and I think he's been bright. I really like him. He's got got pace and is a threat.”

Lindsay's comments came after Michael Carrick also commented on the young forward's current situation. The Boro boss said the loan was by no means over as he hoped Finch could learn from the difficulties and fight for his place in the MK Dons side. If that proves too difficult though, Boro will have an option to recall Finch in January. But with Finch having already played for Boro in the Carabao Cup this season too, they would be unable to loan him elsewhere and he'd be forced to stay on Teesside in the second half of the campaign.