Defender – targeted by Bristol City in the last transfer window – “back to his best” for the Dons

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson says Jack Currie was back to his best in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Walsall.

The Dons ended an 11-game winless run in League Two thanks to second-half goals from Will Nightingale and Ali Al-Hamadi.

Currie, in his debut professional season, has made 43 appearances in all competitions under Jackson.

The left-back was subject to multiple bids from Championship side Bristol City on deadline day in January, with the deal collapsing as the Dons wanted the 21-year-old to return to Plough Lane on loan for the rest of the season.

Currie won 100 per cent of his five tackles, completed four clearances and made three blocks against the Sadlers on Tuesday evening.

“Jack was back to his best,” Jackson told the South London Press of Currie’s performance against Walsall.

“He’s had a difficult period. He’s had a lot going on in his life, which I won’t elaborate on, but distractions outside of football can make things really difficult.

“We have had some really good chats. I said to him: ‘Remember why you started playing this game and how easy it was when you first started. Pretend you’re playing in the park with your mates. Put a smile back on your face.’

“It looked like for a while that he wasn’t enjoying his football as much.

“But tonight, he has the bit between his teeth and looked like he enjoyed it.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD