Robinson is trying to bring positivity back to Stadium MK

Karl Robinson has told his MK Dons side to replicate the style of football they showed against Rushden & Diamonds.

Patient approach play was the key to the Dons' 5-0 win over the non-league outfit on Saturday and that looks set to continue this season.

Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio: "We work teams out and when we pick the right time we go and hurt them.

"I want the players to paint a mental picture of that because that is something they have to replicate."

Robinson's men have one more warm-up match, against Premier League Birmingham City on Tuesday, before getting their League One campaign underway at Walsall on Saturday.

Left-back Dean Lewington, who played less than an hour at Rushden, believes there is a different atmosphere at Stadium MK compared to 12 months ago.

We're experimenting to see where they can play and to see what kind of job they can do Mk Dons left-back Dean Lewington

"We're just trying to play with no fear this year and try to knock it about," he said.

"We're going to make mistakes doing that, but it's about having the confidence to keep doing it."

The 26-year-old played 42 league games last season in a campaign that ended with a disappointing mid-table finish.

His manager has made it clear that players will need to show versatility this time around and Lewington is happy to pitch in.

"If you can play a couple of roles it increases your chances of playing," he added.

"Most of the boys can play two or three positions and at the moment we're experimenting to see where they can play and to see what kind of job they can do."

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