Right-back will be in the squad for trip to York
Neal Ardley has confirmed that Barry Fuller is fit and raring to go for Saturday’s FA Cup tie after he came off injured in the defeat at Northampton.
Wimbledon’s vice-captain (pictured) has trained all week after shaking off a foot injury and he will be in the squad for the first round match at York City.
Midfielder Frankie Sutherland is eligible to play under the terms of a loan agreement with QPR and he will be aiming to build on an encouraging substitute appearance at Northampton.
Neal Ardley said that there are no fresh injury concerns heading into the match and he is expected to have a full squad to choose from at Bootham Crescent.
Having been a part of FA Cup runs with Wimbledon in his playing days and managing a club that holds special memories of the competition after 1988 glory, Neal is fully aware of its importance.
“I think the FA Cup has got its mojo back,” said Neal. “The competition had a spell when people did not give it the respect it deserved. For a club like us in the lower leagues, it’s massive. If we can make sure come 5.00 pm on Saturday that we’re still in the hat then that brings excitement. It’s really important. We need to have that edge to us and be hungry to do well in it.
“It’s a case of the unknown and journeys have to start somewhere. You go back to 1988 and the dream starts somewhere. No one feels within the first couple of rounds that something could happen. For us now the dream is to get to the third round. If you get to round three, then you are waiting for that one draw that could be the exciting, captivating one.
“The FA Cup first round weekend is a distraction from the league and it takes us away to a certain extent from what happened last week. It’s exciting and we have to make sure it’s a really good cup tie.”
Dons Player subscribers can now watch the full seven-minute video interview with Neal Ardley and an interview with Frankie Sutherland will appear shortly.