Assistant manager in upbeat mood ahead of Shrews test
Neil Cox has saluted Deji Oshilaja’s impact since his arrival on loan from Cardiff City after the defender played a key role in two successive clean sheets for Wimbledon.
Such improved form at the back will receive a stern examination at Greenhous Meadow tomorrow with League 2 leaders Shrewsbury Town having plundered 43 goals so far this season – and 30 of those at home.
yesterday, Dave Winfield has been drafted in on loan from York City to potentially make his debut, but the one constant in defence is likely to be a player who is quickly emerging as a favourite with Dons supporters.announcedAs we
Speaking during an interview with Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Neil Cox said: “Deji has done really well since he came in. He’s had three centre back partners already, which cannot have been easy for him, but he has settled in well. Deji is enjoying his football and we are seeing the best of him – long may that continue.
“Everyone was saying that we should have signed a 6 ft 3 inch centre-back, but he has proven that you don’t need to be that size. He has good spring and gets up well for headers. Deji is also nice and tidy on the ball.
“Deji has been good, but so too have other players at the back. Barry Fuller and Callum Kennedy are both playing very well at the moment. As a defensive unit we’ve been working well and the boys in midfield have been doing their jobs too.”
The Dons will be without Mark Phillips due to suspension at Shrewsbury, but Jack Smith is likely to return to the squad.
James Collins is likely to carry the main threat having scored 13 league goals this season, but Neil Cox says it would be unwise to concentrate on stopping one individual and he says that Wimbledon must aim to do more than just nullify their opponents.
“It’s not just about James Collins and they have good players all around the pitch,” added Neil. “It’s going to be tough for us, but we have done our homework and we know how we are going to set-up. We are on a good run ourselves and the boys are confident. We will have a different game plan, but we will not just go there and sit back. We’ll go there to try and win the game.”
.Team NewsIf you missed the first part of our preview ahead of Shrewsbury, click on