‘We’re seeing it’ – Johnnie Jackson asked about Josh Kelly after goal in AFC Wimbledon’s pre-season win over Charlton

Johnnie Jackson believes Josh Kelly has benefitted from a break over the off-season and that the striker has worked hard to understand what it takes to play in AFC Wimbledon’s front line.

Kelly netted the second in Saturday’s 2-0 pre-season win over Charlton, collecting Callum Maycock’s threaded through ball and slotting an effort beyond Will Mannion.

The 25-year-old only scored twice – grabbing a brace in the penultimate game of the season against Tranmere – after arriving from Solihull Moors in the January transfer window and went close on a handful of occasions.

Kelly will be up against Matty Stevens, Joe Pigott and Omar Bugiel for two places in Jackson’s starting line-up heading into the new season.

He also scored in the 3-0 win over Met Police.

“Kells was bright and energetic when he came in,” said Jackson.

“It didn’t fall for him, did it?

“He was doing all the right things. He just needed a little break. He has worked hard over the pre-season on what we want from our front two, in and out of possession.

“We’re seeing it day in and day out with him and Matty – they’re scoring goals in training.

“Today, it’s a great goal. That’s what we want to see – those runs that take him in towards goal.

“We have to provide the ammunition, but we have that behind now.

“When you come in mid-season, it’s a difficult time. We didn’t have a pre-season with Josh.

“Now we have. We have a good body of work and he understands what is required. 

“He knows the level now and I think we’re in a fortunate position now – we have some good options up there.”