‘Forge his career’ – Dons boss on arrival of Sunderland loanee keeper

Johnnie Jackson has spoken about the arrival of Alex Bass after the keeper joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan from Championship side Sunderland last week.

The 25-year-old came through Portsmouth’s academy and made 41 appearances for the first team.

He had loan spells at Salisbury, Torquay, Southend and Bradford during his time at Fratton Park.

Bass joined Sunderland last summer but only made two appearances – both in cup competitions – for the Black Cats.

“He’s keen to play football,” Jackson told the South London Press.

“That’s what we liked when we spoke with him.

“The minute that we showed interest, he said: ‘Yeah, that will do for me.’

“He wants to go out and forge his career. He has been at some big, high-profile football clubs.

“But he hasn’t played the games so far that he would have wanted to.

“He’s keen now to knuckle down and focus on his career.”

Bass played the full 90 minutes in the goalless draw with National League side Woking on Saturday and produced a stunning stop to deny Dons defender Ethan Sutcliffe from heading into his own net late on.

“It was a great save,” added the former Charlton boss.

“He probably didn’t expect that coming from one of his own defenders.

“A great reaction save.

“He’s really new to the group, so there is so important stuff we need to work on with him.

“Putting the ball at risk then at the end is something we won’t be doing. But he gives us a real platform with his kicking – he can put it in good areas.

“It was difficult today with the wind, but he kicked through that particularly well.

“He’s a good goalkeeper – we know that. That’s why we have brought him in.

“He’s keen to play football – that’s what we like.”