MK Dons have signed Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin on a three-year deal in a free transfer.

Martin left the Dons in 2006 at the age of 20 to move to Anfield in the hope that he would develop into a top level goalkeeper.

He failed to make the grade in the Reds first team however and has decided to return to the club where he previously made 25 appearances when his contract expires at the start of July.

Having spent the last few seasons out on loan at clubs such as Tranmere, Derby, Accrington Stanley, and as first-choice keeper in Leicester’s promotion campaign last season in League One, Martin has significant experience in the lower leagues to suggest he has developed as a player.

“It’s a dream come true to come back here and I’m grateful to the manager and the chairman for giving me the opportunity,” Martin told the club’s official website.

“The club’s made incredible progress in the four-and-a-half years I’ve been away and, after meeting Karl Robinson, I was really impressed with how he wants to take things forward.

“I’ve had the chance to work with some fantastic players at Liverpool and I’m looking forward to coming back and showing the fans here how much I’ve improved as a goalkeeper.”

Dons’ new manager Robinson, who made Martin his first signing since taking over at stadium:mk from Paul Ince, was also delighted to have brought the keeper back to the club of his youth.

“Since I met David during my time with Liverpool, he’s been a player I’ve admired for a very long time,” said Robinson.

“He left this club as a boy but he’s come back a man and I think he has all the qualities to be a future England goalkeeper.

“We want players at this football club that match our ambition, are passionate about playing for MK Dons and hungry for success, David certainly fits into all of those categories.”