Gorman determined to bow out on a high with trip to Wembley

The 62-year-old has been manager Karl Robinson’s right-hand man for the past two years but has decided this season will be his last.

His plans for retirement are not yet finalised, other than to indulge his passion for art. But what Gorman, one-time former assistant to England manager Glenn Hoddle, is adamant about is the need for the Dons to beat Huddersfield Town over two legs to book a League One play-off final date with either Sheffield United or Stevenage.

He said: “We aim to have a go and get to Wembley. It will be a great way to finish my career. Going to Wembley would be a fantastic way to end but if we don’t, I will still say we have had two great seasons.

“The chairman, the players and the staff deserve it (getting to Wembley) because of the philosophies they have stuck to.”

Gorman, stepping down following health problems, has been in the game for 44 years after making his debut for Celtic and then moving south to Tottenham Hotspur, where he first linked up with Hoddle.

If the former Three Lions assistant is to get his wish and make it through to the Wembley final then the Dons will have to keep a tight rein on Huddersfield top scorer Jordan Rhodes not only today but also again in Tuesday’s second leg.

Defender Gary MacKenzie, who is due to return to the Dons side in today’s first leg at stadium:mk after illness, said: “Rhodes is a tricky player to play against and a real threat. He comes alive in the box.

“There was a lot of talk about how to stop him, which is what we have done so far. But I don’t think it is just about him as Huddersfield are an all-round team like ourselves.

“They are a team and if they hadn’t provided the chances for him then he wouldn’t have scored so many goals. It will be a tough afternoon for everyone involved and, as a back four, we will just be looking to keep him as quiet as possible.”