Experienced full-back offers another option
Jack Smith is back in first-team contention and Neil Cox said the experienced full-back is likely to be in the squad for tomorrow’s match at Shrewsbury.
Smith (pictured) came through 72 minutes for the development squad at Corinthian Casuals on Tuesday and he is close to full fitness after being out since last November due to a thigh injury.
The Dons were today due to be put through their paces at West Bromwich Albion’s training facilities and Neil Cox said that Wimbledon’s management team will assess one or two players before selecting the squad.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player, Neil Cox said: “Jack could have carried on for longer, but we have to be careful with him and we don’t want to overdo it too early. But he will come back into the squad and we will see where we stand from there. We will build up his fitness in the next couple of weeks.
“We have one or two knocks and we will assess those at training today before making a decision on the squad. We have an idea what we’re going to do, but we just have to make sure everyone is fit and raring to go.
“We arranged to train at West Brom as the manager knows Terry Burton, who is Technical Director there. We will go up there and train before travelling up to the hotel.”
Neil Cox believes that Alfie Potter can build on his first Dons start and show exactly why he was brought to the club.
Potter picked up a groin injury on his debut as a substitute against Carlisle, but the winger is now back in the squad and he showed flashes of his ability in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Burton Albion.
“Alfie Potter made his full debut for us and I thought he did really well,” Cox added. “He proved what he could do the other night and he will get stronger and better with more games.
“It’s not been easy for Alfie as he picked up a niggle in his first game for us. He’s therefore been a bit in and out, but it’s nice that he has made his first start now. We have 17 games left this season and I think Alfie will figure in most of them.”
The full five minute video interview with Neil Cox appeared on Dons Player yesterday.