Centre-back Ryan Delaney is back in contention for Wimbledon’s Leasing.com Trophy match at home to Leyton Orient tomorrow night.
The defender (pictured) missed Saturday’s 3-2 victory, as part of the terms of his loan deal with Rochdale. However, right-back Luke O’Neill is facing a spell on the sidelines, having also missed the win at the weekend with a calf injury.
“We’ve lost Luke O’Neill since the weekend, but we’ve gained Ryan Delaney,” said Glyn Hodges in his update from the training ground. “He wasn’t eligible to play against Rochdale, but we’ve got him back in the squad. We’re as similar to as we were on Saturday.
“I want to make sure we’re as positive as we were at the weekend, as there’s a chance to go back-to-back wins. We’ve had one win, why not get a second? There’s a chance for us to continue and maybe one or two might get their chance. They know the level now and the standard that we showed against Rochdale has to be maintained. If people come in and get their chance, they know what is needed.”
Wimbledon lost their opening group game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion under-21s, while Leyton Orient beat Southend United, our opponents away this Saturday, 2-0 in their last game in the competition. Glyn is aiming to use the game to build further momentum.
“Coming back in this morning, it’s been good,” said Glyn. “To be fair, even after the defeats it has been good. We had a meeting today to review the game and go through the clips.
“I gave them credit with the amount of knocks we’ve had, with the late goals at Coventry and Ipswich, they’ve always dusted themselves down and showed a great attitude and got their just deserts. Credit to them – it was business as usual, but after a win instead of not such a good result.”
Glyn Hodges paid tribute to former manager Justin Edinburgh, who tragically died in June after guiding Leyton Orient back to the Football League following winning promotion. You can see the full interview below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.
The Dons need a victory in Southern Group C to reignite hopes of progressing to the knockout stage. Last season, Wimbledon's run in the competition ended at the last-32 stage versus Chelsea Under-21s at Stamford Bridge.
Kick-off tomorrow night is at the earlier time of 7.30 pm at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Ticket prices for Tuesday's home game (Paul Strank Stand only) are as follows:
All Adults (including concessions) £10
Under 18s £5