Lewis Taylor admits the prospect of League Two football would be an enormous carrot to dangle as he prepares to undergo yet another gruelling rehabilitation programme.

The AFC Wimbledon midfielder underwent successful surgery on a snapped cruciate ligament last week, just 12 months after returning to action following a similar injury in his other leg.

And Taylor reckons seeing his promotion-chasing Dons side go up would give him a massive boost.

He said: “It is hard at the moment - I am not going to lie about it.

“It is hard to get motivated as you think ‘why does this keep happening to me?’ “It is going to be another long haul and I just have to stay as positive as I can.

“I know I can come back as I have done it before, and I am sure I can come back stronger.

“But if we were to go up the prospect of coming back and playing in League Two would give me a massive lift.”

The 23-year-old suffered the injury in the recent defeat at Crawley Town and is set for nine months on the sidelines.

And Taylor reveals he knew it was serious almost straight away.

He added: “As soon as I twisted it was the first thing that went through my mind.

“I heard the noise and it was not nice and I immediately thought ‘oh no’.

“I did hope for the best but when I got the news it was my cruciate I could not believe it.

“I am going to aim to be back at Christmas.

“It is quite stiff at the moment, but I have been given some exercises by the Wimbledon physios and I know the club will give me all the support I need.”

The Dons are hoping to be back in action against Barrow on Tuesday after Saturday’s clash at York fell foul of a waterlogged pitch.

And the former Horsham man reckons his team-mates have what it takes to book that elusive play-off spot.

Taylor added: “I think we definitely have a good chance.

“We have a good enough squad and players are coming back so why not?

“I may be out but I shall still be down there cheering them on.

“The players have really given me their support and I will do my best to give that back.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Mar 27 Rushden & Diamonds (h), 30 Wrexham (h), Apr 3 Histon (a )