Neil Critchley declared himself a proud manager after his inexperienced U21 side narrowly lost to Fleetwood Town on penalties in the group stage of the Leasing.com Trophy.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Rhian Brewster, Curtis Jones, Ki-Jana Hoever and Harvey Elliott all started for the first team at MK Dons at the same time.
Herbie Kane, Pedro Chirivella, Sepp van den Berg, Adam Lewis, Leighton Clarkson and Luis Longstaff were also on the bench for Jürgen Klopp’s team.
That meant the majority of Critchley’s XI that took to the field at Highbury Stadium against Fleetwood were U18 level.
Joey Barton’s side took the lead on the night but the young Reds soon levelled through Neco Williams.