JOHNNIE Jackson was glad of a full week’s training to further integrate new signings before a “mad” period starting with Barrow at Plough Lane on Saturday.
Following the clash with Pete Wild’s automatic promotion chasers, the Dons have four matches in eleven days.
The Dons were buoyed this week after Jackson and his assistant Terry Skiverton signed new deals until 2026.
Striker Josh Kelly and defender Kofi Balmer are set to make home debuts, while the versatile John-Joe O’Toole could make a first appearance for the club.
“It’s been good to have a clear week of training because we wanted to show them what we’re about, and to get them to understand what we want from them in their roles,” Jackson said on the Dons’ website.
“It’s going to go mad again now, in terms of the fixtures. We’ll be playing on four Tuesdays out of the next five, so we won’t get a load of training in. To have a clear week with those guys and see what they’re about has been really good.
“Josh is a centre-forward and that takes care of itself, but John-Joe has that versatility where he can play in a few different positions. It was really important to have a good week of training with them.”
Defenders Huseyin Biler and Paul Kalambayi are both available again after suspension, but Jake Reeves and Josh Neufville are still recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, Wild has backed Jackson’s side to maintain their play-off push.
“We know how tough Wimbledon can be,” Wild said. “They have been one of the tougher teams to come to Holker Street this season, so we know what to expect.
“They will be wanting to push today to try to get back into the play-off places and I certainly believe come the shake-up at the end of the season they will be a team fighting to be where we want to be.”
