Jack Midson has no plans to leave AFC Wimbledon after holding a frank discussion with manager Neal Ardley.
The striker was handed his first start since October in Saturday’s demolition of Wycombe Wanderers and slotted home a late penalty to complete the scoring in a 3-0 win.
Midson, 30, had made no secret at his disenchantment at finding himself repeatedly on the bench as Ardley favoured Michael Smith in a 4-3-3 system.
Rumours were swirling that he could rejoin his former club Oxford United this January.
But with Smith returning to Charlton Athletic, the Dons brought in Charlie Wyke from Middlesbrough last week and partnered him with Midson up front in Buckinghamshire.
Back in the starting line-up and back amongst the goals, Midson has told boss Ardley that he wants to stay with Wimbledon after having his doubts earlier in the season.
“We've been honest with each other me and Neal,” Midson said. “He said do you really want to go that much or not? I've got no plans on leaving. I wanted to stay and I'm glad I did really because I've got another chance to get a run of games. It's up to me really.
“We can always talk about the past and the disappointment that I didn't start, but that's gone now. It's up to me now, when I do get my chances, that I manage to take them. Whether that is me scoring or giving 100 per cent, which I do when I play.
“I want to get as many games as possible under my belt in the second-half of the season. I've proven that in every team and every league that I've played in, I will score goals if I play regular games.”
It was back to basics against Wanderers as the Dons went with two up top and ripped Wycombe to pieces in the second-half at Adams Park, with both strikers finding the net, along with Sammy Moore.
“I'm happy with the result and it's just good to be back really. I proved myself and took my opportunity,” Midson added. “In your mind you think you've got a point to prove but I'm not going to go out there and do anything I wouldn't normally do.
“Sometimes you can try too hard and it goes the other way. I just did the things Neal asked me to do: run in behind and hold the ball up and take my chances.
“The formation definitely suits me. When Smith was here we played with the three, using quick wingers, and he opted for him up front so I had to take that on the chin. In this formation, I'm not guaranteed to start but I'm more likely to start.
“It does help with the formation we played, it is more attacking and we are going to create more chances, but you've still got to do the right things in the right area. We got in behind them more in the second-half.”
Wyke endeared himself to the Dons fans with a debut goal against the Chairboys and Midson believes Ardley has captured a real talent on an initial month-long loan deal from Boro.
“He seems a good player,” Midson said of his new strike partner. “Hopefully we can strike up a good relationship. If we keep going like that first game then we'll be pushing to start more games.”
Meanwhile, Ardley saluted Midson for his goalscoring comeback on Saturday. Read more here.
