Preview ahead of tonight's game
Manager Mark Robinson has selected his squad for tonight’s FA Youth Cup tie and he has urged Wimbledon’s young players to relax on the big stage against Burnley.
The young Dons are without Dan Gallagher and Ben Harrison, but Mark is confident that other players can step-up to the mark tonight (7.00 pm kick-off at the Cherry Red Records Stadium).
“I think we can win it, but we want to do that with the boys playing their football in the right way,” said Mark. “I’m trying to get the boys to relax. Neal Ardley often talks to me about trusting the players you have and we have to do that. We have not got Dan and Ben, but it is these nights when we find out about what the other boys are about.
“Previously, I’ve had good players who have struggled on the big night. They’ve been players with good ability, but FA Youth Cup nights are different and they need to show that they can cope.
“Ben has been called up to the first-team squad again recently, which is fantastic. We’re all here to help players come through. Ian Smith played at left-back on Saturday and he did very well. He’s not a scholar and has come through the college set-up, which is credit to Michael Hamilton’s work. I’m sure Ian will be looking forward to it and he’ll do a great job for us.”
The above picture shows (left to right) Billy Frost, Alfie Egan and Neset Bellikli during a recent tour of Wembley.
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s squad: Billy Bishop, Callum Wilson, Ryan Sweeney, Ian Smith, Reece Williams-Bowers, Billy Frost, Neset Bellikli, Ollie Haines, Egli Kaja, Dan Agyei, Taylor Roles, Jason Stripp, Reece Batchelor, Alfie Egan, Dan Ano, Will Mannion.
.You Tube to view more about the players involved tonight. To view video footage of the Under-18s in training and interviews, click on Player ProfilesClick on