‘Gutted’ – Dons boss on setback for young defender

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson is “gutted” for Huseyin Biler with the defender set to miss at least a month due to a hamstring injury.

The defender, 20, has made 14 appearances this season under the former Charlton boss and had nailed down a starting spot in the side after Chris Gunter was called up to the Wales squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Biler was forced off in the 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient at the start of February and has missed Wimbledon’s stalemates with Carlise United and Northampton.

Ex-Addicks defender Gunter, 33, has played the full 90 minutes in the last two outings.

“It’s a blow for the boy,” Jackson told the South London Press. “He was doing really well.

“I’m gutted for him, first and foremost. It is a blow for us – he was a big part of what we were doing. We will be without him for a number of weeks.

“Gunts has come in and we have kept two clean sheets with him back in the side. My squad is showing that I can make the changes and it doesn’t affect us too much. Everyone is capable of doing the job that I ask of them.”

Wimbledon take on two relegation candidates back to back, hosting 23rd-placed Hartlepool United tomorrow and then heading to Gillingham the week after.

The Dons have only scored twice in their last six outings but have secured draws against promotion-chasing Bradford City, Carlisle United and Northampton Town since the turn of the year.

“We can compete against any team in the league,” said Jackson. “What we can’t do, when we play a team on Saturday that is further down the league, is not bring the level of performance, attitude and work ethic that I’m seeing from every single one of my players.

“We can’t dip off of that just because we’re not playing one of the so-called top teams.

“If we do that, we will continue to pick up points. It has to come from that defensive foundation.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD