Roberts loan fuels fans' fears

Wimbledon fans are fearing a mass clear-out of players as Andy Roberts became the third player to leave the Dons in the the last month.

Midfielder Roberts has joined Norwich on a month's loan with a view to a permanent move.

The 28-year-old former Millwall and Crystal Palace player featured for the first third of the season before being overtaken in the pecking order by Damien Francis, Trond Andersen and Hakan Mild.

Roberts links up with former Dons striker David Nielsen, who joined the East Anglian club for £200,000 after a successful loan spell last month.

The Dons, who are away at Portsmouth tomorrow, have 16 players out of contract at the end of the season and Roberts' move will spark fears among fans of a concerted sell-off of players.

Reserve goalkeeper Paul Heald joined Sheffield Wednesday on a month's loan earlier this week.

Dons manager Terry Burton said: "Roberts is out of contract at the end of the season and at the moment we are unable to sit down and discuss new contracts with anyone so it is a good opportunity for him to try and seal a move there.

"We have a recall option on him if we need to and I would have no concerns about putting him in the side should the need arise as he has never let us down in the past."

Striker David Connolly misses out with an ankle injury sustained in last weekend's 2-0 victory at Birmingham City, and defender Jermaine Darlington (calf) is doubtful after limping off in the same game.