Defender in line to face Peterborough
Chris Robertson is set to make his first appearance in a Dons shirt tomorrow at Peterborough United.
The defender, who signed earlier this month, will play for Alan Reeves’ development side in the Central League South East, and he will partner Will Nightingale at centre-back.
Robertson and Nightingale will add experience to a youthful squad for the game at Peterborough United’s Mick George Training Academy (2.00 pm kick-off).
“Chris hasn’t played since pre-season so he needs minutes,” said Alan. “Ideally, he will get the full 90 minutes, but we will play it by ear as regards his fitness. Will also needs to play and Toyosi Olsuanya will start after coming back for half an hour against Bournemouth.”
Winger Neset Bellikli is still sidelined with a knee injury, though Alan expects him to be back in two weeks’ time.
It’s been an encouraging start so far at development level with a win in the Premier League Cup and a league draw at AFC Bournemouth.
Alan Reeves pointed to Dominic Poleon’s progress since scoring twice against Wigan as an example of the importance of these games for first-teamers and youngsters aiming to catch the eye.
“We had first-teamers in against Wigan and it certainly didn’t do Dom any harm,” said Alan. “The manager is not scared of putting players into the first-team squad if they do well at this level. I thought we were the better side against Bournemouth and if we produce performances like this every week there will be no complaints from me. The only game so far that I’ve been disappointed with was against Luton in pre-season, but we’ve responded well since.”
The full address for Peterborough’s training ground is as follows: Mick George Training Academy, Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 7EA.