Tom Richards joins AFC Wimbledon on loan

Fulham defender Tom Richards has joined AFC Wimbledon on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 19-year-old is yet to feature for his parent club's first team, but has been a regular for their Under-21 development side this season.

Dons manager Neal Ardley told the club's official website: "With Fulham being local to us we've watched Tom play several times for their Under-21s. He's been playing at left-back this season but he has unbelievable energy up and down the left side.

"I went and watched the player last week in a game against Leicester and he stood out in that match. Tom is not tall but he is quick, has great stamina and a really good left foot. He's played left-back and left midfield both equally as well.

"Tom will therefore give us a lot of balance on that side as regards the wing-back role or if we wanted to change the shape slightly."

Richards is making his debut for the League Two side against Fleetwood Town this afternoon.