MK Dons boss Liam Manning was calm but clearly delighted after watching his young side overturn Watford in the Carabao Cup at Vicarage Road.

The League One club have struggled for points but were a different proposition against the Hornets, and Manning said now they have to start performing like that more regularly.

“We had five 19-year-olds start tonight and that’s what excites me about this group,” he said.

“At the moment we’re inconsistent. The potential we have is really high, and tonight we showed that by the way we blocked and tackled and then had quality in possession.

“We probably created the best quality chances, and I’m really proud of the lads. We know the quality we have in the group and now we have to consistently try and achieve that level.”

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Manning said he spoke to his players before the game to explain the different qualities they would need to show in order to win.

“We challenged the players in terms of behaviours, the commitment, intensity and discipline we were going to need, as well as the emotional control. That last one was probably the key as we knew were going to be up against it at times.

“I saw how experienced the Watford team was and the quality they had within it, so we were aware we had to get everything right and stick to our style.”