MK Dons boss Russell Martin has thanked Norwich City for lending him Carlton Morris and Louis Thompson as he attempts to keep his side in League One.

The duo signed for Martin's men in the January transfer window following unsuccessful loan spells in League One.

Morris joined after a frustrating spell at high-flying Rotherham United. He made 21 appearances during his time in Yorkshire but was limited to substitute appearances.

Since Martin's appointment in November, the Dons have steered themselves to safety and they now occupy 18th, 10 points above the relegation zone.

"They're doing brilliantly. I really wanted to sign both of them and I'm really grateful to Stuart Webber and Neil Adams for helping us sign both of them. They've really helped us out, not just financially but also with Carlton, he was at a club fighting for promotion and I never thought we'd get him.

The Pink Un: Morris has scored twice since joining MK Dons. Picture: Matthew Usher/Focus Images LtdMorris has scored twice since joining MK Dons. Picture: Matthew Usher/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

"He's been huge for the dressing room. He's a big leader in his own way and the standards he sets. He's been a focal point for us and scored a couple of goals, but it isn't about his goals, it's about what he brings and he brings other people into the game. He's been tremendous and the fans really like him already."

Thompson is being eased back into action following a plethora of long-term injuries. The Welshman was at Shrewsbury Town in the opening period of the season.

"I wanted to bring Louis in because I felt like he had a lot to prove. He went to Shrewsbury and I just couldn't understand why he wasn't playing there. I know Louis, my assistant manager Luke Williams knows Louis from his time at Swindon, and we felt he could add to what we're doing, not just on the pitch but off it as well," Martin told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"He's intelligent, thoughtful and respectful. He commands respect from the way he behaves, and he's been brilliant. He looks like he's getting back to where he should be after a long time out. We have to manage him because he hasn't played a lot but they've both been really good, on and off the pitch.