BASINGSTOKE goalkeeper Joe McDonnell looks set for an extended run in the AFC Wimbledon team after it emerged that first-choice ’keeper James Shea has been ruled out for several weeks.

Shea broke a bone in his ankle during last weekend’s game against Hartlepool, with 20-year-old McDonnell taking his place for last Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Southend and Saturday’s 2-1 win over York City.

Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley has said that Shea will spend as long as five weeks out, but he has faith in McDonnell, who moved to the club from Basingstoke Town last summer.

“We have talked about how much we put on young Joe’s shoulders,” Ardley said. “He is a talented boy and he has proven that, but the mental drain of playing in front of crowds at this level is big.

“If we think it might hinder Joe’s development then we have got Ross Warner and he needs to make sure he is lively and sharp. That would be for Joe’s development, should we decide that, but at the moment, he has come through two games well.”

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