Robinson is looking to improve on last season's mid-table finish

Karl Robinson has told his MK Dons squad that some of them may have to operate out of position this season.

Stephen Gleeson and Aaron Wilbraham both found themselves playing unfamiliar roles during Wednesday's 2-0 friendly defeat to West Ham.

Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio: "When you're running a club on a budget it's good that players can fill in a number of places.

"It allows you to free cash up for other areas."

Gleeson, 21, is traditionally a midfielder but slotted in at right-back against the Hammers while 30-year-old Wilbraham, who is recognised as an attacking option, played the latter part of the game in midfield.

"Gleeson, to me, looks a very, very accomplished right-back," Robinson added.

606: DEBATE Decent run-out. Balanta, the new guy from QPR, looked really impressive. So confident on the ball, and this seemed to spread across the midfield hazsa19MKD

"He finds it hard to get his distances but he's going to improve that.

"That's the really pleasing thing, we have some really good footballers who can adapt and they did that tonight."

The Dons were outdone by a strong West Ham team which featured Rob Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker.

But Robinson, who has set his sights on League One promotion in his first season at Stadium MK, feels they are making progress.

"Overall I'm happy with a very good performance. The things we're asking them to do are slowly coming together," he said.

"I want to play a little higher up the pitch and press teams.

"There's still an awful lot we can work on but belief is the single most important thing in any walk of life and tonight they believed in their own ability when they had the ball."

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