AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has heaped praise on Ryley Towler's "outstanding" start to life on loan and made note of his professionalism following a recent cameo in midfield.
Towler, 20, scored his first senior goal at the weekend after equalising in a 3-1 defeat at Walsall when he reacted quickest to a loose ball to finish from six-yards out. He has started five out of their last six matches after being made to wait for his chance following his move on deadline day.
City's starlet admitted he was tucked up in bed when the call came in over a potential switch to the League Two side. It's his fourth loan spell in four seasons but his first in the Football League having had stints with Frome Town, Taunton Town and Grimsby Town.
It was a move that suited all parties. Jackson likes to play with a back three with an emphasis on playing the ball out of the back while providing Towler with valuable first-team experience for when an opportunity arises at City.
And it appears as though Towler is having no teething problems settling into life at Wimbledon. Speaking to the South London Press, Jackson said: "Ryley has been outstanding.
“He has come in on loan to a new club and had to bide his time for the opportunity. He came on against Bradford, was thrust into the action early on, and he was superb. He followed that up against Colchester with a really strong performance.
“He has shown his versatility as well. He came on as the right centre-back of a back three against Carlilse, and that wasn’t his natural position, but he got on with it and did the job.
“We have also had to utilise him in midfield as well due to the injuries to Maghoma and Marsh. We knew Ryley was reliable, he can handle the ball, and he’s a physical presence, which we felt we would need in that game. Ryley is one who emerges from that game with real credit.
“He wants to play football and gets on with it. We’re really pleased with him and his development, so hopefully that continues. He’s a really mature lad – a really good professional. He’s a credit to himself and Bristol City.
“It shows real maturity to his game that he has been asked to play in several different positions already and has performed admirably in them all. Whether he has been playing in a natural position or not, he has risen to the task.”
City do have a recall option in January should the club feel his development is better suited elsewhere. But his path to the first-team looks complicated this season with Kal Naismith, Rob Atkinson and Zak Vyner the manager's first choice.
Timm Klose also did his chances no harm with his performance against Preston in the week while Tomas Kalas is believed to be very close on a return to action for the first time since March 5. George Tanner has also featured in a back three this season against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup.
Wimbledon has endured a difficult start to life in League Two following their relegation last season and sit 17th with three wins in their opening 12 matches.
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