MK Dons boss hits back at Shrewsbury's Will Grigg claims and reveals what has impressed him about Sunderland striker

MK Dons manager Russell Martin has hit back at claims by Shrewsbury chief executive Brian Caldwell that they had 'got in Will Grigg's head' ahead of his deadline day move.
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Grigg completed a loan move until the end of the season late on deadline day, with Grigg opting for MK Dons despite strong competition from other clubs including Shrewsbury Town and Wigan Athletic.

Speaking earlier in the week, Caldwell said: “MK Dons and Russell Martin got in his head between Friday and Sunday, even though we actually had an agreement ready and waiting to be signed by Sunderland and we had an agreement with Will to come all of last week.

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"In football, sometimes these things can happen - but I like to think if I give my word to somebody I wouldn't let them down."

Sunderland striker Will Grigg.Sunderland striker Will Grigg.
Sunderland striker Will Grigg.

But responding to the comments made by the Shrewsbury chief executive, the MK Dons boss laughed it off.

Martin told the MK Citizen: "I'm not sure how I did that.

"We were told there was no deal, then there was a deal done with someone else, but from what Will has said it was between the clubs. At that point, when nothing is signed or done, things can change.

"I think the player wanted to come here above anywhere else, so I didn't really have to do very much else.

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"I won't talk about how other clubs do their business, but all I know is Will was desperate to come here and play and we want him to do that. If that's getting in his head, then that's what happened."

And the Sunderland striker, who cannot play on Saturday, has impressed in training, Martin added: “From what we've seen in training this week, he's looked razor sharp.

"Really enthusiastic, really sharp. He'll have to wait until Tuesday but I'm sure it will only make him hungrier to get involved and get playing.

"I'm really excited by what he can bring us.”

Sunderland beat MK Dons 3-0 on Tuesday evening in the Papa John’s Trophy quarter-final to reach the last four of the competition and the Black Cats return on Saturday in the League One game.

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