Swindon Town made their first move in the January transfer window as they brought in Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Dawson Devoy on loan, so what will Michael Flynn be hoping for from his new man?

“I am looking forward to working with him,” said Flynn on his new signing, “They [MK Dons] paid six figures for him from Ireland and he is a talent.

“I am not going to say that he is the new Dan Kemp because I am not going to compare anybody to Dan, but he has got a chance here to come and show the supporters, myself, his teammates, and MK Dons what he can do in League Two.”

Devoy was very highly touted during his time with Bohemians, where the now 22-year-old won FAI Young Player of the Year in 2021 as well as being included in the Team of the Year. Eight goals and two assists the following season saw him head to Buckinghamshire to replace Scott Twine.

His time in England has been frustrating so far as after suffering relegation last season, Devoy has struggled to establish himself as a starter under Graham Alexander and Mike Williamson this term.

“Truthfully, I think he was rushed into things last season,” said Toby Lock, Sports Editor of the MK Citizen, “He came over from Ireland with huge shoes to fill in the form of the departed Scott Twine, who in fairness played much further forward than Devoy.

“But he wasn't alone in struggling last season, and after dropping into League Two, I think the game has called for a bit more experience and a bit more physicality than Dawson has.”

Despite arriving from the same club, Devoy appears to be far from a like-for-like replacement for Kemp, Lock even said that he has never been deployed as a number ten during his time at Stadium MK.

Aside from the 2022 League of Ireland season, Devoy has never been a particularly prolific midfielder, scoring just once for MK, in the EFL Trophy against Northampton. However, he has been proven to be able to create through his passing.

Looking at his stats in League One last season, he made 43 appearances, he was in the 85th percentile for chances created and the 71st for assists. He is also strong without possession, making 6.5 recoveries per 90 and winning the ball back in the final third 0.34 times per 90.

Lock said about him: “He's scored a couple of rockets, but he rarely takes a shot on, and is more the pass before the pass for the goal. He won't win you many fantasy points, put it that way.

“Dawson is something of an orchestrator. He thrives when he has time on the ball and has a foil around him to allow him to do so.

“He's got a bit of a darker edge to him when needed, which doesn't show to look at him! But from what we've seen at Stadium MK, he is more of a string-puller and provider than he is an out-and-out attacking goal threat.

“He's so calm on the ball, which is a trait much needed playing in Dons' midfield at times. He's got a great eye for a pass, and can work his way out of difficult avenues too.”

If Flynn is looking to play the same 3412 system that he has preferred this season, then Devoy does not appear to be his new attacking midfielder, but he adds more composure and creativity from deeper areas if Town can add a more physical presence who could line-up alongside him.