There’ll be opportunities for players to stake a claim in the starting line-up and among the substitutes for the visit of Bradford City tomorrow afternoon.
With goalkeeper Nik Tzanev and striker Ali Al-Hamadi both away representing their countries, Johnnie Jackson will be looking to make changes to a side that sit fourth in the table and with just one defeat to our name.
“Players will get opportunities that perhaps they haven’t had before,” said Johnnie after Friday’s final training session. “As I’ve always said, once you’ve got the opportunity and the shirt is yours - it’s over to you.
“Everyone knows what is required – not just the 11. Everyone knows how we play as a team, so we should be able to put any 11 out, make as many changes as we want, and still be a Wimbledon team. When people are given those opportunities – they have to take them. They have to make it impossible for me to leave them out.”
Connor Evans (hamstring) was outside for the session and although training on his own, he is nearing involvement soon.
“Looking at the work he did today, he’s moving really well,” said Johnnie. “He was working on change of direction, which is what you need to be doing at the end of your rehab from this injury.
“Having spoken to him after training he was feeling really good and really confident. We’ll be looking to reintegrate him into working with the group hopefully next week and get him back in as quickly as possible.
“He showed, in the brief glimpses we’ve seen of him so far, what a good player he is and how important he’s going to be for us. The quicker we get the likes of Connor back – the better."
“You have to play through the bumps and the bruises! Every squad up and down the country will have them, but in terms of major injuries I think we’re pretty fortunate and in a good place. We’re playing well, we’re on a good run of form, and we want to continue that. When it’s going your way, everyone is desperate to get out there and be involved.”
Tomorrow’s visitors Bradford City arrive at the Cherry Red Records Stadium in 14th place, but off the back of two wins under player caretaker-manager Kevin McDonald.
“There’s been a response since Kevin took over,” said Johnnie. “They’ve had two positive results and a really good win in the league against Swindon. They had a renewed energy about them and certainly looked a bit different to how they approached that game.
“It’s made preparations for us a little bit more difficult, as you’re looking at their previous 10 games and it’s a certain style. In the last one or two though they’ve done things slightly different, had positive results, and are buoyed by it.
“They’ll be coming here, with the following that they bring, with a spring in their step, and it’s up to us to try and take that away from them.”
Full coverage of the game, with our Radio WDON commentary team, will be available via iFollow Dons.
Photos: Pro Sports Images.