MOORE SALUTE FOR RIVAL NICHOLLS
WHILE they are rivals for the same position, MK Dons goalkeeper Stuart Moore has nothing but positive words to say about fellow shot-stopper Lee Nicholls.
The 24-year-old has replaced Nicholls in the starting XI in recent weeks, having made his first League Two appearance of the season against Newport in mid-February.
But despite claiming the number one jersey from 26-year-old Nicholls, Moore hailed the attitude of his teammate and insisted there has been no tension between the two.
“Lee has been different class with me,” he said.
“His attitude with me has been brilliant. He still works hard in training and has been really supportive with me.
“The whole group here is very supportive – there is no bad blood there.
“No-one wants to lose their place, and you never wish it on anyone, but you just have to be ready for your chance.”
Moore had spells at Reading – where he was loaned out seven times over four years – Barrow and Swindon before arriving at Stadium MK last summer after being released at the County Ground.
He had only played in cup games for the first team since his arrival before getting the nod against Newport but he produced two clean sheets as the Dons picked up three wins in a row.
And while he has had to bide his time for a chance in the first team, waiting patiently on the bench and keeping his sharpness up for the Under-23s, he says the experience has made him stronger.
“As a goalkeeper, it’s a difficult position to be in,” said Moore. “If you’re not playing, you have to look to get game time elsewhere – for me, it was the Under-23s games.
“I knew, once I got my chance, I’d be ready. It’s difficult because, as an outfield player, you can just come into games – it’s different for a keeper.”