Spurs’ Dele Alli shows ‘some really talented individuals knocking around’ in Championship

Dele Alli, in the midst of tearing up the Premier League, isn't all that far removed from MK Dons, a point that gives the club optimism about springing an FA Cup surprise on Chelsea.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli shown before their Premier League match last weekend against Crystal Palace. Andrew Coulridge / Action Images / Reuters / January 23, 2016

MK Dons will have to show the belief of former player Dele Alli when Chelsea visit in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round.

The Dons are mired in a fight for their Championship future as they prepare to play the Premier League champions in a first competitive fixture.

Karl Robinson's side have recent pedigree in cup competitions, having knocked Manchester United out of the League Cup last season, and believe they can take heart from the meteoric rise of Alli, who has thrived since moving to Tottenham Hotspur from Milton Keynes last summer.

Alli has refused to be cowed by more established Premier League stars with Spurs and midfielder Darren Potter says MK Dons must treat Chelsea as equals, too.

Potter said: “Dele’s a prodigious talent. He’s shown his fearlessness already.

Read more: Greg Lea on how Toby Alderweireld's something else gives Spurs their spine

“I don’t think the ability and the composure of the lad comes as any surprise to anybody that knows him here, just how rapidly he’s risen to play for England and score his first goal.

“We have to respect Chelsea as much as possible. We’re also on a level playing field when we go out there, so we’ll be doing everything we can to try to get a result.”

Robinson reckons scouts are circling after the performances of Alli and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy in the top flight this season, following their emergence from the lower leagues.

“There are some really talented individuals knocking around,” said Robinson, whose side were promoted to the Championship last term.

“It’s an element which has been overlooked for a few years and maybe people are taking note at the moment.”

Asked if MK Dons have another Alli in their midst, Robinson said: “If we had, our chairman (Pete Winkelman) would be doing cartwheels.

“We always knew that we had a very talented individual on our hands. He’s just gone on from strength to strength and become a top, top player.”

MK Dons have work to do to preserve their Championship status. They lost 3-1 to Bolton Wanderers last Saturday and are just two points clear of the relegation zone.

“We understand we’ll be climbing a mountain, we understand we’re certainly the underdogs, by a long way, but the FA Cup has thrown in a few strange results before, so you just don’t know,” Robinson added.

Arguably the biggest upset in recent history was Bradford City’s 4-2 win over Chelsea at the same stage last season, when the League One side came from 2-0 down to win at Stamford Bridge against the future Premier League champions.

Chelsea have lurched from one crisis to another this season, but there are signs of stability under interim manager Guus Hiddink, who replaced Jose Mourinho last month and steered the team to victory at title-chasing Arsenal last Sunday as part of an eight-match unbeaten run.

Robinson will take confidence from the United win and encourage his players to execute his game plan in a contest where MK Dons have nothing to lose.

“We know if they’re at their best they can beat anybody in the world,” Robinson added.

“It’s a free game, to an extent, and a wonderful experience as well. It’s very rare you go into a game just to be able to enjoy it.”

Striker Nicky Maynard (hamstring) is a major doubt, while Matthew Upson (hamstring), Ben Reeves (thigh) and Carl Baker (ankle) are out.

George Baldock has returned following his loan spell at Oxford, but is cup-tied after featuring in their win over Swansea.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport