Anthony Wordsworth said that he’s determined to stay fit for the all-important run-in after making lifestyle changes since turning 31.
Speaking after the 2-2 draw against Burton, a match in which the experienced midfielder played a pivotal part after entering as a second-half substitute, Wordsworth said: “I feel good, I’ve been working with Chris (McConnell), the new fitness coach, he’s been brilliant with me, and I feel fitter and stronger every day.
“Since turning 31 I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes with recovery and diet. I have to look after myself as much as possible. I’m not getting any younger now and these young players are nippy and sharp! You can’t keep getting the run around from them, I’ve got to try and keep up with them!
“The young players here are progressing every day. Jack (Rudoni) is just one of a group that are doing very well. They are doing brilliantly every day in training and this club is only going to see them improve.”
Wordsworth missed over two months of the season with a calf injury, but he’s made two substitute appearances in succession and he’s in positive mood about helping Wimbledon to safety during the remaining 19 games of this season. He was also quick to praise Mitch Pinnock's impact as a forward in recent weeks.
“We need to climb up that table and finish as high as possible,” Wordsworth added. “I thought we did really well (last night). We were unfortunate not to nick it in the end. Being 2-1 down at half-time, I though we showed great character and fight to get back into the game. We had a squad in there disappointed that we hadn’t won it.
“We want to fight for each other, create opportunities and play attacking football. We want to be solid at the back and I was pleased that we didn’t concede a third goal in the second-half at a stage when it would have been easy for us to go under. It’s that never-say-die attitude, we must keep fighting, and I thought we did really well in the second-half. The fans are massive for us, I thought the atmosphere was good in the second-half, they were loud and they played their part in us getting a point.
“Mitch has done really well, that was a great finish from him for the goal and he was unlucky not to get another one. He’s been asked to play up front, a position he’s not really played in much before. He’s done really well since he’s played there in the last couple of games.”