MK Dons manager Russell Martin hits back at critics of Sunderland loanee Will Grigg amid claims of losing his hunger

That’s according to MK Dons manager Russell Martin, who says the on-loan Sunderland striker has already shown him that he’s determined to prove a point during his spell at Stadium MK.

Grigg joined the Dons on loan until the end of the season and has scored twice in his last two games, having not scored competitively for his parent club since October 2019.

And while such a drought prompted many to suggest the striker had lost his hunger, his new manager insists that the striker has been ‘unfairly accused’ of that – and is already showing his worth at his new club.

"He's not driven by money or accolades, he's driven by having respect of his team-mates," said Martin, speaking to the Milton Keynes Citizen.

"We all know what a good player he is. He's had a tough time.

"One of the things he's been unfairly accused of by people who don't know him or aren't behind closed doors is losing a bit of hunger. When I spoke to people about him, people questioned that, and you don't want to have that questioned as a character.

"Other than his ability, which you cannot question, people might ask about his character but he has been brilliant.

"He’s become really important to us really quickly. As long as he can prove us right and everyone else wrong, with his goals and in other ways, we'll really enjoy having him here."