Wally Downes said he will have no qualms about handing Tyler Garratt a return to first-team action after the departure of Ben Purrington.
As we announced earlier, left-back Ben was recalled by Rotherham, and subsequently joined Charlton Athletic on loan. However, Wally feels that Tyler can step-up to the mark and he will offer him an opportunity to stake a claim for the place.
“Tyler is in position A for it,” said Wally. “He’s been Ben’s understudy all season, certainly while I’ve been here. Tyler has done well when he’s come on, so I’ve no qualms about him going in there and if he does well the place will be his and we have to look for someone to back Tyler up. Although losing Ben is not ideal, the clause has left it out of our hands, as he went back to Rotherham and onto another club. Tyler has every chance now to make the position his own. Ben did a great job for us and we wish him well.”
Meanwhile, international clearance has still yet to be received for the Dons to play new signing Dylan Connolly.
“We’ve signed Dylan and we’ve done everything at our end, but there is still some red tape,” added Wally. “You spot the player, scout him, look at what he can and can’t do. Then you decide to take him and you think it’s all done, but then it’s out of your hands. There’s no doubt it’s going to get done, but it’s a busy period, and it’s not a problem.”
A full interview with Wally, ahead of the trip to Coventry, can be viewed on our iFollow channel. It also includes an update from our manager on his efforts to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.