MK Dons boss hails 'quirky' hat-trick hero Paterson

MK Dons boss Paul Warne hailed "quirky" striker Callum Paterson following the first hat-trick of the experienced Scot's career.

The 31-year-old target man took his goal tally for the season to 11 with his treble in the 5-1 win over Shrewsbury Town and has also contributed eight assists.

Paterson made his senior debut for Scottish club Hearts in August 2012 and another 20 games will see him reach the 500 milestone in his career.

"I banged the drum for getting him in. He's quirky, which I like, and he's a real good forefront of our team," Warne told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"I'm always thinking I can't keep playing him every minute of every game but you also know that when you take him off you become smaller, and in tighter games it's difficult to get him off the pitch because you need him for defensive duties as well.

"He's a great lad and his work ethic this season deserves more goals."

Paterson's goals came in the first 34 minutes against Shrewsbury, and included a penalty awarded for a foul on Alex Gilbey.

"Pato is easily hittable [with passes], that's probably a nice way to put it," said Warne.

"The penalty I can't give him too much credit for but the other two were really good finishes and really smart play and I like that about us, we don't just play one way.

"His work rate is phenomenal and we should get a lot more out of him.

"A lot of times he's in great positions and we don't pick the final ball. There was one in the second half where we took an extra touch and didn't put the ball in early when he was in the middle of the six [yard box]."

Paterson, whose career has also taken him to Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, and brought him 17 Scotland caps, joined the Dons last summer.

His hat-trick helped lift the Dons to third in the League Two table as they look to return to League One, having been relegated in 2023, and he wants them to kick on strongly in the coming months.

"It's my first hat-trick and my 100th goal as well. I've waited a long time and thankfully I took my chances when they came and obviously the penalty which speaks for itself," said Paterson.

"A lot of the boys in the changing room, myself included, have been involved in seasons such as this and once you get past the Christmas period, it's time to push on.

"It would have been nice to get some goal returns in the first few months but I've picked up my form a little bit and hopefully I can keep them coming."