Left-back in upbeat mood ahead of York
Callum Kennedy says he’s never felt fitter in his whole career as a footballer and the left-back has welcomed extra competition for places at Wimbledon.
The 25-year-old has played in 16 of the last 17 Dons games after winning back his place in December and he says a thorough fitness regime has given him plenty of energy to come through a hectic recent schedule.
With Jack Smith having recently returned to the first-team squad, competition for the full-back spots have been fierce, but Kennedy believes that can only benefit Wimbledon in terms of results.
Speaking to Dons Player ahead of tomorrow’s League 2 match against York City, Kennedy said: “I feel better than ever and it’s the best I have felt in a long time. I changed a few things before Christmas. The month before I got back into the team I really started focusing on gym work. I built up some strength in my legs and on a day to day basis I feel good. I am buzzing.
“Barry Fuller has been unbelievable and he is “Mr Reliable’. I think the other night was only the second game he has missed in two seasons. It is amazing for the manager that he has got good competition and long may that continue.
“If we are all performing well then it can only be good for the team. When there is competition you have to keep to a high standard to stay in the team. Every footballer wants that, otherwise you can start to slide. We are all pushing each other and that is good for the team and the club.”
Kennedy has played his part in a solid Wimbledon defence recently and he believes the Dons are capable of finishing 2014/15 strongly.
“We had to dig in against Southend for a clean sheet and it was a good point,” Kennedy told WDON commentator Rob Cornell. “I thought that Joe McDonnell was unbelievable on his full debut. He was really confident coming for crosses and it felt secure with him in goal. I have been really impressed with Deji Oshilaja. With every game he has got better and better. I have had a good relationship on the pitch with him. I have really been enjoying it.
“We are in good form and if you look at the last 10 games we are up there. I feel confident that we can produce the goods and get higher. It is down to us to show what we can do on the pitch.”
The full interview with Callum Kennedy can now be viewed on Dons Player, along with interviews with Neal Ardley and Will Nightingale. Almost seven minutes of extended highlights from the Southend game are also on our premium channel.