MK DONS boss Scott Lindsey has hinted that Darragh Burns will remain at Shamrock Rovers this season.
Burns, 22, spent 2024 on loan with the Hoops and was a regular in their Conference League run as they progressed through to the knockout stages, which begin next month.
Rovers are keen to extend his deal though Burns, who last featured for the Dons in the League 18 months ago.
The player has six months to go on his current contract in England.
It is understood that the Hoops enquired about signing him permanently, and Dons gaffer Lindsey – who took charge last September – has suggested that Burns future is in Ireland.
He told the MK Citizen: “It will be suck-it-and-see with Darragh.
“I think we’re happy for him to be out there, he’s done well in Ireland, so we’re happy for that to continue.
“Things could happen quickly but there’s always a chance he could come back.”
Elsewhere, Conor Walsh has signed a new one-year deal with Sligo Rovers.
The 19-year-old spent most of last season on loan, with Finn Harps and Wexford, helping the latter reach the semi-finals of the FAI Cup and the promotion play-offs.
Walsh — who made six league appearances for Rovers in 2022 and 2023 — was also called up to the Ireland Under-21 squad in November, coming off the bench in a 3-2 win over Sweden.
With Ed McGinty — who returned to the Bit O’ Red last season on loan from Oxford United — expected to join Shamrock Rovers – Walsh may have the chance to stake his claim to be John Russell’s No 1 at The Showgrounds.