Neal's update from the training ground
Wimbledon will have plenty of attacking options for the visit of Bristol Rovers on Saturday with Danny Hylton and Jack Midson both vying for selection again.
Neal Ardley confirmed after training today that Hylton (pictured above in the process of scoring his second goal against Cheltenham) is back in the frame after a bout of tonsillitis and Midson is also in contention after serving a one-match suspension. With Kwesi Appiah now in the fold and Charlie Wyke set to feature for the last time before going back to Middlesbrough, Wimbledon will have four strikers to choose from.
However, Andy Frampton is doubtful with a calf injury and captain Alan Bennett will also be assessed tomorrow after picking up a knock. Darren Jones is likely to be given the green light to feature after suffering a head injury in the defeat at Mansfield.
As we announced earlier, Michael Collins has been recalled by Scunthorpe United and with Sammy Moore suspended for two matches after accumulating 10 bookings, Neal Ardley has urged his other midfielders to show what they can do.
Speaking to Dons Player, Neal said: “Sammy and Michael are two midfielders that have been mainstays in there for the last six or seven games. I’m disappointed to lose Michael because I thought he was looking strong. In particular, he was excellent at Northampton. But you look at it now and Peter Sweeney, Harry Pell and Jake Nicholson should be saying that they’ve waited for their turns and will not let us down.
“Danny Hylton has trained all week and worked really hard. He’s looked very fit and strong so that’s good news and Jack is now back after suspension.”
Wimbledon won their last home match against Cheltenham in dramatic fashion by scoring four goals for the first time since November and Neal has called for similar attacking performances to end the season on a high.
“We’re looking for similar statistics with our attacking performance again and that’s what we’ve been trying to work towards,” said Neal. “If we can avoid falling behind and start well then that will be a big plus. We are trying to make it about us. I always make sure we know about the opposition, but it’s about our performance levels. We have three home games left and we want to try and play well in all of those.
“I think it (our home form) has played on our minds a bit and that has not helped. The fans have sensed it and the players have felt it, but the last home game against Cheltenham was an exhilarating one. Hopefully we can take that into our last three home games and get what we want out of it.”
to read what he had to say about his time with the Dons.Michael's loanMichael Collins was full of praise for AFC Wimbledon after training back at Scunthorpe United today. Click on
Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Neal Ardley on our premium channel and an interview with Peter Sweeney will follow tomorrow.