Dons boss doesn’t expect striker to be back for League Two play-off final

Johnnie Jackson has confirmed he does not expect striker Omar Bugiel to be available for AFC Wimbledon’s League Two play-off final at Wembley on May 26.

The Lebanese targetman was absent from today’s squad for the Dons’ 1-0 victory over Notts County, making it 2-0 on aggregate and confirming their place in the final against Walsall.

Bugiel has four goals and three assists to his name this season, forming an effective partnership with Matty Stevens.

His omission did not slow the Dons down on their way to a comfortable victory today.

Jackson said: “Yeah, I would say he is unlikely to play in the final.

“Matty Stevens has been brilliant all season. Marcus Browne has come in, we played him higher up front where he has not always played in his career but he is such a threat.

“They did great today together, out of possession as well, not just what they bring with the ball.

“Notts were missing some key players today as well, that happens in football.

“It looks like we are going to have to do it without Omar.”

Another injury concern ahead of the final is Riley Harbottle, who found himself withdrawn at half-time in today’s contest.

Jackson confirmed the decision was not a purely tactical one.

“It was a bit of both,” said Jackson. “He was on a booking, he had made a couple of fouls.

“I did not think he had many more fouls in him. Jones is obviously a threat, both their wingers are, if he finds himself exposed he could get a second yellow, and we did not need to put ourselves in that position.

“He was also just feeling his groin a little bit as well, so it was an easy decision to make.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD