After a sticky patch in League One, Ryan Longman is determined to help AFC Wimbledon to pull away from the relegation zone.
Prior to Saturday's win over Wigan Athletic, the Dons had gone 11 games since their last win in December.
Glyn Hodges departed as manager with academy coach Mark Robinson put in charge and he has continued to play Longman, who has made 31 appearances this season.
“We've been through a tough patch the last couple of months. We’ve not being playing poorly, we just haven’t got the results we've deserved at times,” Longman said. “It's not nice when a manager leaves the club, I enjoyed working with Glyn but the new manager [Robinson] has the same level of confidence in me and I want to prove that he's right to have it.
“He got his first win on Saturday which was good for everyone. It was a great result against a team we're fighting against at the bottom of the table, and just as good to do it on the road.”
Despite the difficult run, the 20-year-old is loving his time with the Dons as he continues to learn the tricks of the trade.
Ryan Longman and Nesta Guinness-Walker getting ready for the big game. @ProSportsImages #AFCW pic.twitter.com/NoUJjNYPmc
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) January 19, 2021
“Getting used to the physicality at this level has been massive for my game. When you're playing in under-18s and under-23s football everyone is a similar age. So when you're coming up against players who are older and know the game inside out you learn habits from them that you can use to take your game to the next level.
“I have always been quite a big lad but I have learned to use my strength differently and to better effect, which has been a good step.
“I don't think I have played as many games in my career as I have this season, so just in that sense it's a massive personal achievement. I have had injuries in the past and last season I only managed six games.
“Now I need to get my head down and keep working hard. I want to go back to Brighton and be closer to the first team. Wimbledon have given me the chance to show what I am about and I want to repay them for it.”