Warne says MK Dons EFL Trophy loss 'embarrassing'

MK Dons boss Paul Warne called out his players after their first-half display against West Ham United Under-21s in their Group D clash in the EFL Trophy

MK Dons boss Paul Warne said his players "wasted 45 minutes of their careers" after they were thumped 5-1 by West Ham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

Warne added he was "embarrassed" by their first-half showing which saw them go in 3-0 down at half-time.

Although he felt matters improved after the break, the 5-1 scoreline only served to heighten the 52-year-old's frustration.

"I was embarrassed with our performance, first half," Warne told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"I didn't think we pressed with any intensity. I don't think we tackled, I don't think we made a foul.

"That is as far away from a team that I want to witness.

"Being honest, I thought we were horrific. In the second half, I really liked us.

"But then that makes me even angrier because I think the players have just wasted 45 minutes of their careers."

Warne made a number of changes from the side which drew at Chesterfield in the league on Saturday, but was still disappointed.

"I appreciate we have some young players within the team and it's a good learning curve for them but I just don't think we played with any personality in that first half," he added.

"We didn't put a fingerprint on anyone.

"In the second half we were much more aggressive with the press. There were much better performances.

"I don't want to highlight anyone, I don't think they deserve my praise."