Striker returns for tonight's match v Charlton
George Oakley says he was counting down the days until his return and the 18-year-old striker is determined to recapture the form that earned him a professional contract.
Oakley (pictured) was out for two months with a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season, but now he’s raring to go again and will be in the squad for the Under-21s at Charlton tonight.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Oakley said: “It was 60 days in total that I was out injured and I’m really happy to be back. However, I need to keep on top of things so that I don’t get injured again. It’s a cup game tonight against Charlton under the lights and I will be glad to be back on the pitch to show what I can do.
“It’s really important that I try and get back to the form that I showed at the end of last season. I want to try and get on the bench for the first-team again.”
Oakley was an unused substitute for the first-team at Portsmouth in February and he ended the season by signing his first pro deal before scoring in the London Senior Cup Final. During his spell out injured, Oakley has watched academy products Ben Harrison and Tom Beere make their first-team debuts – and he’s determined to follow in their footsteps.
“The manager has shown what he’s all about this season in terms of bringing young players through,” added Oakley. “That’s really good because it shows that he will put his trust in youngsters. I was still a second-year scholar last season even though I played U-21s football so it’s a big change for me this season. Now that I’m involved with the first-team set-up I can see why it’s a dream to be a professional footballer and it’s amazing to be honest.”
Tonight’s game will take place at Welling United’s Park View Road (7.00 pm kick-off) with the following entry prices: Adults £3, senior citizens and concessions £2, juniors £1 (if accompanied by an adult).