Midfielder could be back for Mansfield
The Dons have received a boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Mansfield Town with experienced midfielder Dannie Bulman having returned to full training.
Neal Ardley told Dons Player that Bulman (pictured), who had been out injured with a hamstring strain since the draw at Carlisle 12 days ago, is back in contention.
However, Tom Beere (foot) is doubtful for the match at the One Call Stadium and winger Andy Barcham will be assessed after he suffered a blow to the head during the JPT defeat to Plymouth.
Speaking during an interview with WDON’s Rob Cornell, Neal confirmed: “Dannie did a lot of work earlier this week with Stuart Douglas and Jason Moriarty. He has trained today and come through that so as far as I am concerned we will look to get him back into the squad.
“Tom has had an X-ray and it is not broken, but it is very sore. We are doing checks on Andy Barcham after he got a whack on Tuesday. We don’t think there was anything in it, but the doctor needs to agree and we will see where he is.”
Following Lyle Taylor’s goal against Plymouth on Tuesday, all of Wimbledon’s four strikers have now scored this season and Neal added that selecting two of them for Mansfield will be far from an easy choice.
“If I was to take some real positives from the other night it was the movement and pace of our front two,” Neal added. "They were unplayable at times and caused them all sorts of problems. When we look to sign players we want to have various options. We know what Bayo brings and Tom Elliott also has some of those qualities, but he has pace too. Tom also attacks balls differently in the box.
“Lyle Taylor is technically one of the best with his shooting from outside the box and we are trying to get his fitness levels where they need to be so that he can be dynamic. Ade Azeez has turned up this season as a different animal. I am delighted because whoever gets the shirt has to be playing well to keep it. The good thing is that they have all scored now so we have four strikers full of confidence, which can only help us.”
The full update from Neal Ardley is now on Dons Player and an interview with Jake Reeves will follow tomorrow.