Dons attacker Assal bound to keep attracting transfer interest – but ‘no rush’ for him to make a jump

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has admitted Ayoub Assal will always attract interest but says there should be no “huge rush” for the forward to move on.

Assal, 20, scored his seventh of the season in all competition on Tuesday night in the 2-0 win over League Two table toppers Leyton Orient.

The former England U20 trainee has bagged five times in his previous six appearances.

“There was probably interest long before I came to the club because of the type of player he is – he scored a lot of goals last season in League One.

“He took a while to get going with the goals this season, but he is flourishing at the minute. He is doing really well with the team in that role and he is taking on a lot more shots and getting in much better shooting decisions and scoring goals.

“We’re really happy with him and his form.

“He’s young. Every player wants to play at the highest level possible, we know that. But there doesn’t need to be a huge rush with Ayoub.

“A good season with us, scoring goals and playing well, will attract attention – of course it is.

“But if he is getting attention, it’s because he is doing well for us, so we’re happy with that.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD