Winger on pushing for a place in Neal's plans
Skilful winger David Fitzpatrick is back with the Dons and wants to bring his confidence and enthusiasm to the side after a successful spell away on loan.
Fitzpatrick came on at the start of the second-half for Tuesday night’s late, one-all draw with Coventry City and is keen for more opportunities in Neal Ardley’s side.
“I was pleased to get on the pitch,” said Fitzpatrick in an interview to Dons Player. “It wasn't the best of games for us, and maybe personally, but to get that late equalizer - you get those matches at any level and what you need to do is make sure you get a point and that's what we did. Hopefully it's given us a bit of confidence ahead of Saturday.
“We've got Tom Elliott back and in training he looked lively and sharp, so I'm sure we can go there (away to Shrewsbury) in good stead and hopefully do what needs to be done.
“The fans know we've got a good set of players here and that we can fight much higher up the table and I think that when everyone is fit and firing we've got a good chance of getting back up in the table. Hopefully now we can just push on and turn this around.”
birthday, scored three times in twelve starts for the Devon club, by the time his 93-day loan had come to an end. All parties stand to benefit from the move at this stage.ndFitzpatrick, who recently celebrated his 22
“It was a good experience for me,” said Fitzpatrick. “As soon as it came up I spoke to the gaffer and I wanted to go and I'm at an age where I want to get games and establish myself and obviously if I can do that here first - then great.
“I think it’s put me in good stead and I feel physically and mentally a lot sharper now. Hopefully I can bring that form back here. I think I can offer the club something and hopefully that can be here and we can push on until the end of the season.”
Fitzpatrick can relate to Dons’ midfielder Tom Beere, who recently left on loan for Gateshead - another National League side, but at the other end of the country.
“You get to a situation where the young lads are sort of first team, but in-between it. Sometimes you’ve just got to make that choice to go and establish yourself somewhere else and that's what Tom has done and I feel better for it and I'm sure he will as well.”
He also has words of encouragement for his good friend, centre-back Will Nightingale. The AFC Wimbledon defender is again on the comeback trail, after an operation to repair the meniscus in his knee.
The full interview with David Fitzpatrick is available to Dons Player subscribers by clicking on the link above. An update from assistant manager Neil Cox at the training ground is also on our premium channel.
“Will is a good mate of mine. He just wants to be on the pitch. Everyone knows what he can do. He's a confident player and I'm sure in no time he'll be back and helping the team again.”