Jack Rudoni has returned to full training after shaking off the hamstring injury that interrupted his promising start to League One football with Wimbledon.
The 18-year-old midfielder enjoyed a dream full debut at Bristol Rovers by helping Wimbledon to an important victory on Boxing Day and he kept his place for the following two fixtures, before being withdrawn due to injury against Southend.
However, Dons academy product ‘Rudi’ has now shaken off the hamstring problem and he’s set to step-up his match fitness by playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly match tomorrow.
After working hard with our new Sports Scientist Chris McConnell and our medical team, he can’t wait to get back out there and to build on the progress he’s made recently.
“I knew the injury wasn’t very serious,” said Jack. “It happened midway through the first-half of the Southend game and I was able to carry on for 20 minutes or so. When we went in at half-time the muscle got a bit colder and seized up a bit and I thought there was no point risking it.
“I’ve joined in the last three training sessions with the rest of the group and hopefully I will get back out there, without any problems tomorrow, to push me forward. I have been doing a lot of strengthening work with Chris McConnell to get it right. Dougie and Katie have also been helping me, so hopefully I will have no more problems and I will be available for League One games.
“After getting a taste of first-team action, I just want more. I love the match-day atmosphere that you get to be a part of, that feeling of winning important matches, in front of a big crowd. I just like that pressure of playing when it really means something with three points on the line. You know that you have to win and I just thrive on that pressure. I enjoy the responsibility because I always want to win football matches.”
The hamstring injury suffered by Max Sanders in the 1-0 win against Peterborough is also not serious and he is expected to be back in first-team contention soon.
Look out for an extensive interview with Jack Rudoni in the Burton match day programme next Tuesday.