Ryley Towler has extra motivation to progress in AFC Wimbledon's Football League Trophy trip to Plymouth Argyle this evening.
Not only because a cup upset would put them within three matches of winning his first piece of silverware but it will give him the chance to silence his best mates inside the Mem as Bristol Rovers await the winners in the quarter-finals.
The on-loan Bristol City talent has starred in Johnnie Jackson's side this season having earned rave reviews and been part of a defence that has kept five consecutive clean sheets in their League Two campaign this season.
They'll need to channel that confidence into tonight's fixture as they go up against a Plymouth side who are not only in the league above them but sit at the summit of the table. For Bristol-born Towler, who attended Mangotsfield School, the reward for victory is priceless and the first opportunity in his promising career to go up against the blue half of the city.
Speaking to AFC Wimbledon's channel, he said: "We’ve done really well in the league and obviously we know Plymouth are a really good side, but we’re going there to win the game. If we beat them we would then face the Gas, which makes me want to win even more and play at the Mem.
“A lot of my mates support Rovers, so it would be interesting. Hopefully, I can play there and they can give me some stick."
City manager Nigel Pearson confirmed Towler will stay at the London side on loan until the end of the season, opting against the temptation to activate his release clause due to the importance in Jackson's side.
Last week the Wimbledon manager continued to beat on the Towler drum about his performances and told the South London Press : “Ryley has been a real success story as far as our recruitment has gone. We’re delighted to have him – he’s doing really well under us. He’s improving every week and I know that he is really enjoying being here and his football as well.
“Bristol City are really happy with that and see us as the best place for him to progress at the minute. All parties involved are happy with it. We’re really pleased that he will be staying with us.”
That feeling is shared by Towler who is "loving" his learning experience of building up new partnerships in defence and playing regular football in the back three of the defence.
He added: “I’ve loved every minute of my time here so far. The main thing is that I keep improving and look to learn every day in training. I’ve been playing a lot of games and I’m really enjoying it. The lads give me loads of stick but it’s great to come in everyday and be amongst it.
“Everyone has been brilliant. We’ve got so much confidence right now. I have a great relationship with PK ( defender Paul Kalambayi), every day in training we’re working on little things that can improve our partnership. Hus (Huseyin Biler) and JC (Jack Currie) are doing really well too. The aim is to get another clean sheet on Wednesday night."
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