Jack Rudoni hasn’t had far to turn for advice as he strives for that elusive Wimbledon goal.
The 19-year-old's league debut against Doncaster was one year ago yesterday and he's gone onto become a regular first-teamer since, but he's determined to get that first Wimbledon goal - and Jack has been quick to ask our top scorer Joe Pigott for tips!
Speaking ahead of the match at Sunderland tonight, Jack said: "It has been a great year for me, I’m loving every minute of playing, and I just want to keep improving, keep pushing on, and helping the team. I want to get out there every day, train and work hard, and get some goals and assists. I want to help the team to push on, and get up the table.
"Me and ‘Pigs’ have a good relationship, he helps me all the time. He’s trying to help with my finishing, so that’s good! Callum, and Woody – all the older players in the squad – chip in and help us. We’ve got a good bond and a good squad, but we just have to stay focused, go out there, and get the results.
"We had the break as the season finished early and it unsettled everyone initially. I was out at the start of the season, but now I feel I’m getting into my stride. I just want to get better and better as the season goes on. I work every day in training on trying to get my shots away, so that I’m ready when the ball comes to me around the box. I have been getting more shots in during games, and I’m getting closer. I’m sure it will come soon.
“It’s a great memory (league debut versus Doncaster) for me. I remember that I had been on the bench quite a bit before that and I hadn’t come on. I was always ready, but I didn’t think I was coming on as the clock was ticking. I remember warming up and then suddenly I heard my name called. It almost happened too quickly, and I didn’t have much time to get the nerves out! I came on in the 60th minute, and I loved every bit of it. Callum got the winning goal, and we won 2-1 so it was an excellent memory."
Following the defeat at Charlton Athletic, the Dons have a quick chance to get back on track at Sunderland tonight and 'Rudi' will be proud to wear the club badge after joining us at the age of just 11.
“As a squad, we’ve spoken about it (the game on Saturday)," added Jack. "We are going into the game very positively. We have a plan and we are going to take it out onto the pitch – we know that we can get a result. Football is a team sport so we are all together: the subs, starting 11, everyone plays a part. We just have to go out there and stay focused on getting back to form. The last couple of weeks have just been a blip I think as I know we have more than enough quality to go out and get results.
“I wasn’t at the last away game at Sunderland, but a stadium is a stadium. We are out there to do a job and we are going to go out there and get a win.
“This has been my home since I was 11. It’s my ninth season now, so to come through and be in the first-team means everything. I love every minute of playing for this club and hopefully there’s a lot more time to play for this club, and lots of big occasions ahead.”
The full video interview with Jack is below.