Murdoch backing kids

Stuart Murdoch is optimistic that some of the club's younger players can break into the first team during what is certain to be a testing season for the Dons.

The manager has seen a number of key squad members leave during a turbulent summer, but hopes their homegrown stars will now get more chances.

Murdoch said: "Lots of the younger players now have a chance of staking a claim to be a part of the first team, so they have a great opportunity."

Meanwhile, striker Dean Holdsworth is back for his second spell with the club and hopes to be in the thick of it against Crewe at Selhurst Park tomorrow.

Holdsworth could not turn down the chance to return to the Dons. He said: "When I found out Wimbledon were interested in me again I had a big old smile on my face."

Striker Wayne Gray is out until September while Nigel Reo-Coker has been handed the skipper's armband following Neil Shipperley's departure to Crystal Palace.