Neil Cox says that supporters can play a big part in helping AFC Wimbledon to valuable points against Gillingham tomorrow night.
In his squad update for iFollow ahead of the game against Gills, Neil said that Paul Robinson is a 50/50 chance to be involved after suffering a head injury against Portsmouth. With Callum Kennedy definitely out and Jimmy Abdou still suspended, young players are expected to come into the reckoning.
"It's a massive game for us and players who have not played this season yet will get a chance," said Neil. "We have a lot of injuries and suspensions with first-team regulars out. Callum will be out, Darius Charles, Tom Soares and Jon Meades are not yet ready, and Jimmy is still suspended. We are struggling a little bit, but it gives other players a chance and that's what we want. This is why we put a squad together so that players will fight for positions and this is when they get their opportunities. I cannot wait for some of the boys to roll their sleeves up with that pressure of a Tuesday night game and we are fighting for a result. I think the boys will prove it.
"We have a lot of injuries so it's a matter of turning up, picking our best side, and making sure that they work for 90 minutes full on, closing the opposition down, harassing them. We want them to be confident on the ball, not to worry about giving the ball away.
"During the five years we've been here, we've had massive support at home. They love the Tuesday nights at home and we have some good games coming up, but we need to start putting in good performances. We also need the supporters to get behind us. We need them to encourage the players and stick by us. We will have a lot of young lads playing tomorrow night and they need to be looked after. The supporters can be our 12th man."
Tickets are available to cheer on the Dons tomorrow. Visit our online ticket shop to buy.
Click on the link below to view a clip of Neil's interview. The full interview with Rob Cornell asking the questions is now on our iFollow channel.