Isaac Ogundere is grateful for the trust shown in him by Johnnie Jackson and he's determined to prove his worth after making his debut last night.
The 19-year-old Academy graduate came in at wing-back last night and for 80 minutes he helped to shut out Gills once again. Unfortunately, after being replaced by fellow Dons debutant David Fisher, there was late heartbreak - as visitors Gillingham scored twice to end our involvement in the Carabao Cup.
“I want to impress the Gaffer and Skivo more,” said Isaac. “I want to keep pushing the other wing backs and defenders for starting places and just show what I can do in training. I proved what I can do out there and hopefully in the league and other games I can show what I’m about.
“I’m especially grateful to Skivo because he works with the defenders. I think he has shown us defenders a new side to defending – just being brutal. I think you could see that in the last two league games, with two clean sheets, because it showed what we’re about – not letting in goals. He’s been really big on that, same as the gaffer. On this occasion though, we fell a bit short, but I’m sure we’ll keep on trying to get those clean sheets.”
Isaac overcame disappointment of being released at a young age by Brentford, followed by time out of the game and trials with other clubs, before being scouted by our Academy while playing for Hayes and Yeading’s under-18s. He’s since went on to captain our young Dons to Youth Alliance Cup success, signed his first pro deal last summer and caught the eye while out on loan at Leatherhead and Potters Bar Town.
“The new management have been great to me since they’ve been here,” said Isaac. “The fans have been great too. I’ve been here for about four years now and I’ve loved every moment. Making my debut was a big moment for me and my family as well.”
He also takes inspiration from Ayoub Assal, another player to have succesfully emerged as one of our own.
"Ayoub is always great," said Isaac. "He's just such a big influence on our team and every time he is on the ball he is dangerous - teams are scared to play against him. He's a great player and it's good to have him on board."
Pictures: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full interview with defender Isaac Ogundere below, via the link to our official YouTube channel.