Jude Stirling

By Oli
March 10 2009

Dons defender Jude Stirling says that earning promotion is going to take a lot out of the Dons players - but that if they have the desire, they will win the games that will take them into the Championship.

Speaking to the official website, Jude said that although the frequent midweek fixtures will be tough, the squad is fit enough to cope with it.

"As professionals we're geared up to playing Saturday and Tuesday every week. Even when we don't have a midweek fixture, we'll do a Tuesday training session which is almost as if we've played a game.

"It's going to be difficult but other teams are going to have to do it as well. At the end of the day, it's about who wants it more."

And Jude says the Dons are taking it game by game, and are concentrating solely on their own results.

"This month it's about picking up as many points as you can and not losing, that's the main thing.

"We're not looking at the league table at all, we just want to win games. We were disappointed not to win at Swindon on Saturday, but we didn't lose and people can see we're a tough team to beat."

Back in the side due to injuries to Sean O'Hanlon and Miguel Llera, Jude says he was disappointed to be dropped out of the side recently but, like all the players outside the first eleven, will continue to work to earn his place in the team.

"I'm pleased to be back. No player is ever happy about not being in the squad, but the managed has to make those decisions.

"He might have thought I needed a rest or that I was more suitable for this game or that game, but it's up to the manager to make those decisions. I'll train hard and I'll be ready whenever I'm called upon.

"The good thing about our squad is that when people miss out they're not happy, and that is a good thing.

"The players that don't play obviously have to put it in during training and give the manager a tough decision."