FORMER AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz says working with Neil Sullivan was the highlight of a tough time at Kingsmeadow.

The Venezuelan custodian spent most of last season as second choice for Neal Ardley's side and regrets not getting more chances.

But his time with the Dons was not all in vain as he got the chance to pick the brains of Premier League veteran Sullivan.

“I knew there was the possibility of an opportunity but unfortunately that didn't really come,” he said.

“It was frustrating because we were a team that was losing from the beginning and found ourselves at the wrong end of the table.”

Despite this, the 29-year-old, who now plies his trade with Skrill South club Hayes & Yeading, says his time spent with Sullivan was invaluable.

“I take positives away from that time. Neil was a very experienced top-level keeper and learning from him was top class.

“I did learn a lot and that's my attitude when I'm not playing, I've got to be learning something.

“It seemed like he was never going to get injured at 42 and that’s something you must appreciate.”

Jaimez-Ruiz found himself competing for the number two spot with Seb Brown until the latter left on short-term loan in February.

And he admits that it complicated matters for him during the relegation fight.

“We had a challenge to stay in the division and we did it in the end.

“It was all about mental toughness but even staying as number two was tough because Seb Brown was still there.”

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