DMITRI Halajko was delighted with how his team carried out their plan in beating MK Dons 4-1 in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Carlton Morris' powerful early hit set a Canaries Under-21s side on their way to topping the group, with Nelson Oliveira's brace and Ebou Adams' sweet late strike helping them to a convincing win.

The result gave City a 100% record in Southern Group F of the competition, and Halajko was impressed with his team's energy at Carrow Road.

"We wanted to get through to the next stage and win as many games as possible at this level," he said afterwards. "It's a good level to test our younger players, and we've achieved that.

"Our gameplan was to press them and not let them play football. They can be a very dangerous team if you let them play.

"We were aggressive from the front, we were trying to press them down and it's credit to the players. When we were 4-1 up they were still running hard."

In an eleven that blended youth and experience in line with the competition's rules, it was City's midfield pair that stood out for Halajko.

He added: "I think Ebou did really well in centre midfield, he's had some good form recently. Him and Ray (Grant) are two boys that haven't played league football yet.

"For those two to play in centre midfield as a two was a real positive.

"We're just happy to be in the next round. Whoever we get to play, it will be another great experience.

"That's what we're looking for at the moment, to try and get as many good experiences for our young players as possible and the next game will be one of those."

City will find out their opponents for the Round of 32 when the draw is made at 10.30am on Thursday.

DMITRI HALAJKO: OUR GAMEPLAN WORKED

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