‘He’s going to be a big player for us’ – Dons striker impressing Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson says that Aaron Cosgrave is going to be a “big player” for AFC Wimbledon after the 22-year-old forward scored his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw with Cheltenham Town.

Cosgrave, who was recalled at the start of the January window from National League side Dover Athletic, struck a left-footed shot in the 79th-minute underneath Owen Evans to secure Mark Robinson’s side a point.

Cosgrave replaced Terry Ablade in the 63rd minute and was the focal point in the Dons attack as they searched for the equaliser.

“I am so pleased for him. He’s another bright prospect – he is going to be a big player for us in the future,” said Robinson

“He has got pace, he can finish, and you know that when he has got a chance, he will take it. It’s exciting.

“I am really pleased for him because he is a fantastic lad.”

The Dons replaced Ollie Palmer on deadline day by bringing in 25-year-old forward Sam Cosgrove on loan from Birmingham City for the rest of the season.

“Now that we have Sam, it will give us more options,” added Robinson.

“Today, sometimes, we couldn’t work the ball around the outside – we didn’t have that other option that we had when Ollie was here and we could go a bit more direct.

“Having Sam come into the squad should give us that.

“We’re not going to become a long-ball team because that’s not what we have ever been about. We can look at other things – can we go two up top as well, possibly?

“We have got Paul Kalambayi coming back as well, so that means I have got another quality centre back. With the fixture build-up, if someone does need a breather, you’re not worrying.

“Dapo Mebude hasn’t come on tonight, and Tomas [Kalinauskas] looked bright when he came on against Shrewsbury – I am going to have a selection problem.

“Alex Woodyard is coming back as well, who is a massive player for us. But through losing Woody, we have had the emergence of George Marsh, and he was outstanding again tonight.

“Up top now, we have got Sam, we have got Terry Ablade, Aaron [Cosgrave] and Aaron Presley will be coming back around mid-February.

“For a club of our resources, it gives us options and keeps everyone fighting for a place, which we need because we have probably had too many players knowing that they were going to start.”

PICTURES: LUCY DIXON