GARY Alexander is playing through the pain barrier to help AFC Wimbledon's battle against the drop.

Manager Neal Ardley has revealed the on-loan Crawley Town frontman has been struggling for weeks with an ankle problem, which forced him off in Saturday's defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Alexander missed training yesterday, and faces a race against time to be fit to face Exeter City at the weekend.

But Ardley is hopeful the 33-year-old will be ready to lead the line against the Grecians.

He said: “Gary's had a problem with his ankle for a few weeks now.

“He jarred it again on Saturday and had to come off, so we'll have to see how it settles down.

“But Gary's the sort of player who would run through brick walls for you, and if there's a chance of him playing then he will.”

Meanwhile, Luke Moore has recovered from a knock he picked up against Rovers and is available for selection.

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