Neal Ardley talks about current goalkeeping situation
Neal Ardley said that goalkeeper James Shea will not be rushed back and his recuperation from an ankle injury will be carefully managed.
Shea is progressing well after fracturing a bone in his ankle at Hartlepool last Saturday, but Neal expects to be without him for the next five weeks.
Speaking during an interview with Rob Cornell for Dons Player, Neal also talked about Joe McDonnell’s development after his elevation to first-team duties.
“I think it’s probably going to end up being five weeks before James can come back,” said Neal. “It is a fracture and we have to be careful. We will see how that heals. We have talked already about how much we put on young Joe’s shoulders. He is a talented boy and he has proven that, but the mental drain of playing in front of crowds at this level is big.
“If we think it might hinder Joe’s development then we have obviously got Ross Worner and he needs to make sure he is lively and sharp. That would be for Joe’s development should we decide that, but at the moment he has come through two games well.”
The full post-match video interview with Neal Ardley is available to view on Dons Player and an interview with George Francomb will follow later.