Connor Smith is already proving his worth at AFC Wimbledon , according to boss Neal Ardley.
The former Watford youngster came within a whisker of bagging Dons three precious points against fellow promotion chasers Accrington on Saturday when his stunning volley smacked against the post with Stanley keeper Ross Etheridge beaten.
Smith’s efforts deputising in the Dons’ boiler room for the rested Dannie Bulman came following a tough baptism against Carlisle on his debut last month.
And Ardley is glad to have him on board for a run-in when his squad, not the biggest, will need all bodies firing in their bid to sustain a playoff push.
“Carlisle battered us and we had to hang on, so that was a tough game for Connor because he is actually a cultured, clever footballer,” said Ardley.
“But today I thought he put himself about and worked incredibly hard. Accrington are a good team with Crooks who was up against him in midfield, so I was delighted with him.
“And what a volley. If that had gone in it would have been enough to grace any game.”
Veteran Bulman looks likely to return to the starting XI for Tuesday’s trip to another of the contenders Bristol Rovers.
However, with George Francomb battling to shake off a dead leg sustained in Saturday’s draw with Stanley, Smith remains a candidate for a place in the midfield with Ardley facing a choice between the 23-year-old and the more experienced Sean Rigg for any vacancy that may arise.
