CARDIFF CITY DEFENDER CLOSES DOOR ON RETURN AND SETS

closes door on AFC Wimbledon return

Thursday 23 July 2015

BY JON BATHAM


Deji Oshilaja sets his sights on a first-team place with the Bluebirds


Deji Oshilaja looks to have closed the door on any return to AFC Wimbledon after setting his sights on a first-team place with parent club Cardiff.

London-born Oshilaja became a real fans' favourite during a 23-game loan spell with the Dons in the latter half of last season.

But boss Neal Ardley always felt the quality he showed would mean his future lay somewhere higher up the pyramid than the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Those fears look to have been confirmed with 22-year-old Oshilaja seemingly determined to compete for a shirt with the Bluebirds, leaving Ardley a sizeable hole to fill in his rearguard.

Adeji Oshilaja celebrates scoring for AFC Wimbledon
"I'm determined to make an impact this season," he said after playing a part for Russell Slade's side in Saturday's pre-season draw with Shrewsbury.

"I've played league football on loan for Newport County, Sheffield Wednesday and AFC Wimbledon, which was great and I'm backing myself to make progress.

"My aim was to give the gaffer (Slade) something to think about. He is a manager who gives young players a chance. He showed that by backing Kadeem Harris and Joe Ralls last year.

"The more I'll play the more confidence I'll have and that will help me."


It is clear Oshilaja feels the 'apprenticeship' with the Wombles has been good preparation for a crack at Championship-level football.

Ardley will hope such an endorsement will act to convince another loanee or budding young talent to trust themselves to his tutelage.

"Gaining League experience at Wimbledon helped me immensely," added Oshilaja.

"Facing diferent strikers, big and small, with various playing styles made me learn quickly."

closes door on AFC Wimbledon return

Thursday 23 July 2015

BY JON BATHAM


Deji Oshilaja sets his sights on a first-team place with the Bluebirds


Deji Oshilaja looks to have closed the door on any return to AFC Wimbledon after setting his sights on a first-team place with parent club Cardiff.

London-born Oshilaja became a real fans' favourite during a 23-game loan spell with the Dons in the latter half of last season.

But boss Neal Ardley always felt the quality he showed would mean his future lay somewhere higher up the pyramid than the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Those fears look to have been confirmed with 22-year-old Oshilaja seemingly determined to compete for a shirt with the Bluebirds, leaving Ardley a sizeable hole to fill in his rearguard.

Adeji Oshilaja celebrates scoring for AFC Wimbledon
"I'm determined to make an impact this season," he said after playing a part for Russell Slade's side in Saturday's pre-season draw with Shrewsbury.

"I've played league football on loan for Newport County, Sheffield Wednesday and AFC Wimbledon, which was great and I'm backing myself to make progress.

"My aim was to give the gaffer (Slade) something to think about. He is a manager who gives young players a chance. He showed that by backing Kadeem Harris and Joe Ralls last year.

"The more I'll play the more confidence I'll have and that will help me."


It is clear Oshilaja feels the 'apprenticeship' with the Wombles has been good preparation for a crack at Championship-level football.

Ardley will hope such an endorsement will act to convince another loanee or budding young talent to trust themselves to his tutelage.

"Gaining League experience at Wimbledon helped me immensely," added Oshilaja.

"Facing diferent strikers, big and small, with various playing styles made me learn quickly."

I love his attitude my uncle whose a Newport season ticket holders said he's a really good player

Great to hear Wez

That's the spirit

Can't fault his determination. If Chris Barker can nail down a first team space in our side then there's no reason why Oshilaja can't do it! It will take some work to dislodge Peltier but it's not impossible.

I really hope Deji breaks into the first team squad this season, but I can't see him doing it as a centre back. We have too many on the books already that will be in front of him.

However, if he plays right back like he did in the friendly, and pushes Peltier (with Malone and Fabio competing for the left back position) there is a chance. He looked good in the clips I saw. He's also a bit short for a centre back.

Great attitude, wish a few more of our players thought like that. Class player from want I have seen of him aswell.

I like to him to be given a chance looks a good prospect but there are to many defenders ahead of him at the moment though.

I have seen him playing a few times and always thought he was a good player with determination on the pitch.

Blooobirds Forever !!!

I'd play him at left back in stead of Fabio

He's just been loaned to Gillingham for the season, just been confirmed by the club

He's just been loaned to Gillingham for the season, just been confirmed by the club

Until 3rd January.