AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has his say on Chris Gunter’s absence due to Wales commitments
AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson believes the call to allow Chris Gunter to join the Wales coaching squad look worse once Huseyin Biler suffered an injury.
Dons defender Gunter, 33, missed the League Two clashes with Barrow and Walsall after he accepted a role to join Rob Page’s Wales coaching staff.
Gunter – who won 109 caps for Wales as a player – announced his retirement from international football earlier this month.
The former Reading and Nottingham Forest defender linked up with Wales ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign games against Croatia and Latvia.
Right-back Biler, who had just returned from a hamstring injury, missed the trip to Holker Street after suffering an injury in training a day before the game.
Fellow academy graduate defender Isaac Ogundere, 20, was recalled from his loan spell at Dartford and started the defeat to Barrow last weekend and the 2-0 win over Walsall on Tuesday evening.
“It was pre-agreed with Chris,” Jackson explained to the South London Press.
“Wales offered him an amazing opportunity. He’s at the stage of his career where he needs to think about what’s next.
“He’s been offered an opportunity with Wales which he made us aware of and said he would like to pursue.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“Hus was returning to fitness when Chris went and looked like he was going to be available. And with young Ogs, I have full confidence in them both.
“It just made sense for me with where we’re at. But when Hus gets a setback, it makes the situation look a lot worse than it was.
“You saw Ogundere’s performance against Walsall. I have absolute confidence in these lads.
“This situation is what it is. We all knew about it.”
Jackson also managed Gunter at Charlton before signing him in the summer on a deal until the end of the season with Wimbledon.
“He will do really well in a coaching role,” added Jackson.
“He doesn’t need me to endorse him. He’s proved his worth over his career. The value he has brought to that Wales set-up means they have seen something in him as well that’s not just on the playing side.
“He’s someone I have known a long time. He will bring a lot with his personality and experience. He does it here with all the young boys – especially lads in his position.
“He’s so helpful with Biler and Ogundere and wants to pass on his experience.”
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