Assistant manager on Saturday's challenge at Luton
Neil Cox has challenged Wimbledon’s players to be brave at Luton Town on Saturday and rise to the occasion of playing in front of a big crowd at Kenilworth Road.
With a boisterous atmosphere expected for Luton’s first Football League home game in five years, Wimbledon’s assistant manager knows that his side must go into it with the right mentality.
Speaking to Dons Player, Neil Cox said: “Playing in front of a full house and in their first home league game after promotion they will be expected to win. They will get the ball forward and try to squeeze us in, and it’s up to us to be brave. We have to be strong. The back four have to be solid and all the midfielders have to work hard so that we stop Luton putting balls into the box. But our front two will cause anyone problems, they did that the other night, and it’s going to be a good game for us. I think it’s a game that our players should be really looking forward to.”
Jack Smith today received treatment on the knee injury that he suffered in Tuesday night’s cup defeat. The left-back has made progress since being stretchered off in that game, but he is doubtful to line-up on Saturday. However, on-loan centre-back Adam Barrett will be back in the squad for Saturday.
Neil Cox added: “We have one or two players with knocks and we’ll have a good look tomorrow and see who is available. Jack has come in today, but he’s still a little bit sore and we’ll know more tomorrow. We’ll see who comes through training, before making a decision on the team and getting organised for Saturday.”
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Neil Cox on our premium channel and an interview with defender Mark Phillips will follow later.