Speaking following his return to Glanford Park, midfielder Michael Collins is pleased to be back at the club and hopes to help the side complete their goal of promotion.
Club captain Collins joined AFC Wimbledon on loan until the end of the season in mid-February – a deal which held a 28 day recall clause, something which was taken up on Thursday.His recall largely involves recent injuries that have occurred to the United squad, with him ready to play a part in completing the job which he stated was the ultimate goal at the start of the season.
“It’s pleasing to be back,” he told The Iron Player.
“To now have a chance to be a part of a team that is very much in with a shout of, not only being promoted, but also winning the league.
"Whatever role that is asked of me, whether to play or be on the bench, I am 100% behind Russ, which is what I told him this morning.”
He added: “I’ll do my bit for the cause now and help the side push on.”
Speaking on his time in London, where he made nine league starts, Collins thanked the side for giving him the opportunity to get up to match speed.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at AFC Wimbledon and I cannot speak highly enough of the manager Neil Ardley and all of the staff,” he continued.
“They’ve been brilliant with me and given me the opportunity to go and play football and do something new. On one hand, I am pleased to be back, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I’ll be forever grateful that I was given that opportunity.
“Wimbledon put me up in a hotel and catered to my every need. I’m very grateful for that and it’s a very well-run club.
“In football, my focus now switches back to Scunthorpe and coming in here and doing whatever job I’m needed to do. Hopefully I will be able to help the lads over the finish line.”
He added: “The run they have been on is nothing short of outstanding.”
Without learning the extent of midfielder Sean McAllister’s injury, a recall for the club captain was always likely to provide support to Matt Sparrow and Dave Syers, who stood to be the only two recognised central midfielders fit to play.
“I was made aware that Sean has picked up an injury,” he commented.
“I’ve always kept in touch with the lads while I was down south and it looked like it could be a little bit more serious than a knock, which was unfortunate for him because he’s been outstanding this season and is one of the main reasons the club is in the position it is.
“I got the phone call from Russ on Tuesday to say he was bringing me back. I’ve been back in the building today (Thursday) and from now on it is ‘head down, work hard and do whatever I can to help the lads get the job done’.”
He added: “To get the opportunity to come back and be apart of a promotion-chasing squad is one that you have to jump at. It was best for all parties that I went out on loan to get fit and ready for a situation like this.
“I feel I’m in a better situation now to play than if I had sat on the bench watching for a month and a half.”