Johnnie Jackson was eager to catch up with our Lebanese international forward Omar Bugiel after coming off the pitch at Plough Lane today.
It’s been a tight schedule for Omar, returning from two World Cup qualifiers in Australia to potentially two more games in quick succession for the Dons over the Easter period.
“He was due to get back into the country this morning,” said Johnnie straight after Thursday’s final training session at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, ahead of facing Harrogate Town on Good Friday. Omar scored the winner the last time the two sides met in October.
You can listen to everything Johnnie had to say below.
“I spoke to him after the second game in Canberra on Tuesday. He was substituted and I saw him come off, walking a bit gingerly, but he just said it was a tough game and he was fine physically.
“He got back on the plane, having looked after himself and done the right recovery things, so I’ll touch base again now, make sure he’s okay and then he comes back into the group for tomorrow.”
We are set to be without injured midfield duo Armani Little (hamstring) and Harry Pell (calf), who has completed a one-match suspension.
“Armani is probably going to miss out,” said Johnnie. “He hasn’t really got the training in - and in particular the required sprints and things like that he’d need for confidence to go into a game like this. Maybe we’ll have him back after the Easter weekend.
“Harry, unfortunately, has got a little niggle with his calf. He won’t be available to us, but we’re managing that. We’re hoping it's nothing too serious. It is a blow, as he missed a game through suspension, and he’s very much been a part of what we’ve been doing.
“He’s had a big role to play, from the bench and being around the group as well. I’m disappointed not to have him involved over the Easter weekend, but hopefully we’ll have him back for the final push.”
As for the game itself, Johnnie has made clear the significance with just six League Two games to go, as we bid for a end of season play-off place.
“We realise where we are in the season - six games to go and in a few days it’ll be down to just four,” said Johnnie.
“We want to have a really good Easter weekend and just attack these last few games and that’s the message to the group. To be fair to the lads – they’re driving that themselves. They just want to give everything they can now and finish in a good spot.”
We also trained in red bibs, ahead of wearing our one-off red shirts for the game – in aid of War Child and our Foundation.
Johnnie said: “There maybe a little bit of psychology behind that! When the game starts, the boys will be focused on the job.
“It is for a wonderful cause though; the boys recognise that and we want to raise as much money as we can to help. This club is a forerunner when it comes to initiatives to help the local community and even further afield as well. Hopefully it brings us a bit of luck too!”
If you can’t make the game tomorrow afternoon, you can purchase a video match pass and receive full commentary from our Radio WDON team by clicking on the link below:
Photos: Pro Sports Images.
