Johnnie Jackson is pleased by the attitude of everyone in his AFC Wimbledon squad ahead of the opening game at Grimsby.
The Dons remain unbeaten in pre-season after Saturday’s creditable 1-1 draw with Championship outfit QPR.
Lydon Dykes gave the Hoops an interval advantage before Josh Neufville levelled after the break to ensure the honours were shared.
Wimbledon face two more friendlies at home to Portsmouth tomorrow evening and at Southend on Saturday.
Then it is all about the real thing, the League Two kick-off at Grimsby on 5 August, with Jackson seemingly having welcome selection dilemmas ahead of the trip to Blundell Park.
The boss told afcwimbledon.co.uk: “We’ve got two more games to come. We’ll make the changes and look at other permutations.
“We’re getting closer. In every game and training session that I’m seeing, people are making cases to play.
“That’s what I wanted to say to them at the start of pre-season – they all want to be in the team for Grimsby.
“This season will be about a lot more than the starting XI.”
Jackson added: “The way that the group is gelling is satisfying. We’ve brought in the right types of lads.
“They’ve fitted in perfectly. Today we looked like we knew what we’re about in possession and out of it.”
Neufville’s equaliser drew praise from Jackson, who also dished out praise to those involved in the build-up.
The manager said: “Josh has been excellent. All of the new lads have settled in really well.
“Their attitude to the work and what we’re asking of them has been excellent.
“They’ve all got great quality, the goal that we scored was a great goal – Omar (Bugiel) with the switch, Tills (James Tilley) in a one against one before getting his cross in, and Josh made the box to finish.”
Wimbledon’s home game with Portsmouth tomorrow evening kicks-off at 7pm.
