AFC Wimbledon’s Darren Jones says he will have no problem maintaining professionalism when the Dons head to his former club Newport County tonight.

Jones signed for Wimbledon in the January transfer window after being released by League One side Shrewsbury Town and has already cemented his place in the team.

The 30-year-old defender is from Newport and played for County between 2004-2005.

He said: “I’ve got family there still and still go back quite often, but I play for Wimbledon, and I want three points and that’s the end of it really – I just want to beat them.

“I am quite professional, I am thankful to the clubs I have played for, but I give 110 per cent for my current club and if that means sticking 10 on them then that’s what I’ll do – that’s professional football.”

Tuesday’s fixture was originally scheduled for December 21 but was called off, and although sitting eighth in the league, Newport have not played since January 31 due to postponements meaning they have played at least two fewer matches than every other club in the league.

Wimbledon, having played four more matches than their opponents, could climb above Newport with a victory – the Welsh side are one point above the Dons who will be looking to improve on back-to-back defeats to Oxford United and Rochdale.

Jones thinks, even with their inconsistent form and packed fixture calendar, it will be the team who goes for it that comes out with the spoils.

He added: “I know they’ve done well in the league so far, but they haven’t played for a long time, so that could be an advantage for us.

“They could come out rusty, but they’ve had a lot of rest and we’ve played a lot of games, so I think it’s just the team that really wants it the most – the team that’s going to work the hardest will get the result.”