Defender vying for return
Neal Ardley has confirmed that Andy Frampton will travel up with the Wimbledon squad for Carlisle after he returned to full training today.
Frampton (pictured) has shaken off a broken ankle and he could be fit enough for the squad, though the Wimbledon manager has also earmarked next Tuesday’s Under-21 match against Leyton Orient as a possibility.
Speaking to Dons Player, Neal Ardley said: “Andy came through training today fine and we are aiming to take 19 players up because of injuries and illness. It is great that Andy is back and we will look towards Tuesday night for the Under-21s game as a chance for him to get minutes. You hear Andy’s voice booming in training as he is constantly talking to other players and making demands. That’s something you cannot speak highly enough of and it’s a big thing for us.”
Neal Ardley added that George Francomb is unlikely to feature as he’s still not fully recovered from having a toe injection earlier this week. Harry Pell serves the first game of a three-match ban for his red card against Southend United on Tuesday.
The Wimbledon boss feels more confident that he can rely on players in his squad to do a job if required for the trip to managerless Carlisle.
“We have quite a few niggles and a suspension so there is probably only one or two positions that need to be considered,” added Neal. “However, with certain positions we now feel even more confident that there are players who can come in and do a good job because they did that on Tuesday against Southend.
“I think Carlisle changed their shape several times when Graham Kavanagh was in charge and it is difficult to plan. All we can focus on is being as organised and focused as we can be and put in a high level of performance as a team. If we do that then they will have to be really good to win the game.”
Dons Player subscribers can now watch a full interview with Neal Ardley.