AFC Wimbledon boss reacts after sealing loan move for George Dobson

The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order seen the arrival of Lee Johnson, making just one start under the new head coach.

That game was againt his new club, and was one in which he was replaced at half-time.

Dobson had turned down the chance to leave on loan earlier in the window, but has now opted to join Glyn Hodges' squad as they battle to stay in League One.

Hodges said Dobson would 'add some steel' to his midfield.

“George is a top League One performer,” Hodges said.

“He is a defensive midfielder who is a good footballer and he will add a bit of steel to our midfield. George has played a lot of games at this level, so he adds experience to the squad, even though he is only 23.

"A lot of players at the bigger clubs of George’s age haven’t played many games, but he has gone out and played his football.

"He left West Ham to go and play Walsall and he also played in Holland. George has played plenty of football at a young age, and we are delighted to have him.

“There were a lot of clubs sniffing around to potentially sign him, so we are pleased that he has seen our position in the table but he’s prepared to take the challenge on," Hodges added.

"We’ve set him a challenge, along with the other lads, to help get us up the league. There was a lot of interest and we’ve done well to get him."

Dobson's place in the Sunderland squad had been further affected by the arrival of Carl Winchester, and he has not been part of recent matchday squads.

Johnson confirmed last week that the pair had held discussions about a possible switch, with Dobson unhappy with his lack of playing time.

"We have had conversations with George," Johnson said.

"We've just left it quite open, really.

"It's not a case of 'we don't want you'. But it's one where if he did feel he might want a move, which he did initially, he was one of the first to knock on my door and say he's not happy when he's not playing, then obviously your agent has to do his work and you look at anything that then comes.

"There have been offers come in, but they're not ones that he has wanted to do at this moment in time.

"That's OK with us, and we'll see how the rest of the window pans out."

Winchester's arrival means Johnson is unlikely to seek a replacement for Dobson.

The Sunderland head coach is prioritising a new left-back and another forward player before the transfer window shuts.

Dobson's departure will free up one space in the squad for an over 21 player, but it is unclear what difference it will make to the club's salary cap situation.

Johnson stressed earlier this month that the complex rules introduced last summer mean that moving out a player does not necessarily allow a club to replace their wage in full.

Dobson will have one year left on his Sunderland deal when his loan expires at the end of the season.