Max Watters made an astonishingly good start to life back in the Football League at Crawley Town last season.

His scintillating form led to a move to Cardiff City in January after netting 16 goals in 19 appearances under John Yems. The second half of the campaign did not go according to plan with one start and two substitute appearances combined with some action for the Bluebirds' U23 side.

The 22-year-old has embarked on a season-long loan to Milton Keynes Dons this season but has also struggled for a regular spot in the side with two starts and three substitute appearances in the league so far. Watters opened his account for Liam Manning's men in a 4-1 win at Gillingham with the Dons looking every bit top six fodder in the opening exchanges of the campaign.

Watters' two starts came in the last couple of fixtures before the international break, playing in a front two with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Troy Parrott as Mo Eisa is eased back after an injury lay-up.

Cardiff will be satisfied with the start he has made this season as they hope to yield a return on their investment that could keep him in the Welsh capital until the summer of 2024.

Mick McCarthy is under pressure in the Bluebirds' dugout so there is always the chance that a new manager could look more favourably on Watters and increase his chances of making a first team return.