AFC Wimbledon manager Terry Brown has challenged Nathan Ashton to earn a permanent deal at Kingsmeadow.
The former Fulham full-back is on non-contract terms at the Dons, and made his debut in the defeat at Chester last week.
Ashton wasn’t even on the bench for the FA Cup defeat to Millwall on Monday night, but is still training with the Dons.
And boss Brown has thrown the gauntlet down to the 22-year-old to force his way into his plans.
He said: "The ball’s in his court. It’s a difficult period for him because he’s been pushed from pillar to post by other clubs.
"He’s trying to earn a contract, whether that will be here or somewhere else I don’t know.
"I was always going to play Brett Johnson against Millwall. I need to get some clean sheets, and I thought Brett did a good job there.
"It’s going to be difficult for him to get in at the moment."
