AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley says new signing Gary Alexander brings not only goals to his side, but also some much-needed character.

Alexander, a January loan signing from Crawley Town, scored on his Dons debut in the League Two 1-1 draw with Burton Albion on Saturday, but could do little to avoid a 3-0  defeat leaders Port Vale on Tuesday night.

But goals are Alexander’s forte with almost 150 to his name in a career spanning more than 15 years at clubs including Millwall, Leyton Orient and Brentford.

Alexander said: “It was nice to score on my debut and get that monkey off my back straightaway, but I would have preferred the three points instead.

“My recent performances have been ok, but forwards rely on service and if your wingers and midfielders are creating chances than you’re going to get goals.

“Any striker will tell you the same thing, a striker is only as good as the service provided and I am sure it will happen at AFC Wimbledon.”

He added: “We have the players to stay up, that much is clear.”

Ardley said: “We have been building a team that has all the right elements in the right places. We have height and athleticism in the midfield and experience at the back.

“But what we have lacked is characters on the pitch, players who have something else about them and Gary has that.”

He added: “Not only will he score goals but he knows how to get the best out of his team-mates.”

The Dons travel to Chesterfield this weekend looking for a first League Two win in four games.