SAM Hatton has responded to the challenge by Arsenal loanee Gavin Hoyte in fine fashion, according to his boss.
The long-serving Dons defender was axed from the team after the arrival of the 21-year-old right-back from the Emirates at the end of last month.
But Hatton was restored to the starting XI for Saturday's draw with Morecambe, and impressed again in the shut-out at Cheltenham last night.
And manager Terry Brown has paid tribute to the 24-year-old's attitude to being dropped from the side.
He said: “Gavin's arrival seems to have given Sammy a kick up the backside, and he's reacted in a positive manner.
“He didn't sulk, trained hard and has got on with it. I'm sure if the club moves on Sammy will move on with us.”
Hoyte told the Chronicle earlier this week that he would be willing to extend his stay at Kingsmeadow .
But Brown looks unlikely to keep the defender with the Dons when his loan spell expires later this month.
He added: “Gavin's been very unlucky. I felt he's played well when he's come in as Sammy needed a rest. But Sam's a quality player and I thought he did well against Kaid [Mohamed] last night.
“Sammy played really well on Saturday as well, so I won't be making a bundle of changes. It is unfortunate with Gavin but that sometimes happens.”
