Ryan Sweeney has paid tribute to AFC Wimbledon defenders Paul Robinson and Darius Charles for being superb role models for him.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who appears set to sign for Stoke, has put in some impressive performances in preparation for The Wombles’ first season in League One.

Yet he’s likely to find his way to a first XI shirt barred by sitting tenants Robinson and Charles.

Not a problem according to the Republic of Ireland U18 international, who admits his elders earnt the right to first dibs to the shirt through their heroics last season, so he too must earn the right to relieve them of it.

He said: “Robbo and Darius were the bedrock of why we got promoted last season as along with John Meades and Barry Fuller they kept a lot of clean sheets.”

Determined: Paul Robinson (R) beats Jake Jervis of Plymouth to the ball

Sweeney knows only too well veteran Robinson and former Brentford man Charles are two great role models for a young man like himself with big aspirations in the game.

He is happy some things are rubbing off, but acknowledges he has plenty to work on.

“I feel like I’m improving every day and progressing nicely, but there are still lots of things I can do better as I’m miles off being the finished article,” he added.

“I’m only 19 so still learning the game. So things like positional play and when to get tight are important.

AFC Wimbledon's Darius Charles

“Talking is a massive part about where I play as well and something I’m learning more about every day.

“So it’s not a negative thing for me that Robbo and Darius are here at Wimbledon. In fact it’s a massive positive.

“I can learn off them every day in training and then hopefully when I get my chance take it.”