George Francomb is in the last year of his Dons contract and has started the season like his professional future depends on it.

The 23-year-old Londoner, who starred in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Burton Albion, has already represented four clubs in a fledgling professional career that was eventually kick started at Norwich City.

Francomb learned the harsh side of football early when he was released by Tottenham Hotspur as a youngster and had to head to Norfolk – via Hertford – to prove himself worthy of a pro deal.

The former Canary had spells with Barnet, Hibernian and AFC Wimbledon before making a permanent switch to Kingsmeadow at the beginning of last season.

And having found his home he is not about to give up on life as a Womble.

“When I was released by Spurs it was tough to take. They were the team I supported as a kid,” he said.

“Uncertainty over your future is something you have to get used to in football and I learned that at a very young age.

“I went to Norwich City trials in Hertford that summer with a friend Sean Shields – who is now at Dagenham & Redbridge. Luckily I got another chance with Norwich.

“It was an experience that made me stronger as a player I think.

“I’ve been around a few clubs now and I feel completely settled back in London and at AFC Wimbledon.

“I like the lads, the management, the whole club and I want to be here much longer than the rest of my current contract. I’ve just got to prove I’m worth it.”

The Dons are up to 12th in the table and only three points off the top seven after Tuesday’s surprise win, but starting well is not what counts in League Two.

And Francomb, who set up Adebayo Akinfenwa for his second goal on Tuesday and was influential throughout, believes boss Neal Ardley has made the right moves in the summer to ensure the Dons can maintain their form throughout the season.

“The gaffer has brought in plenty of experience. People who have been there before,” he added.

“He wants us to play more effective football. The teams that go up are effective in the final third and that is what we have to become.

“We will see over the next couple of months whether he has got it right.”