Ismail Yakubu has issued a warning to AFC Wimbledon’s Blue Square Premier rivals by insisting the Dons are ready to roll up their sleeves and fight to realise their promotion dreams.

Terry Brown’s men proudly sit top of the table after an impressive start that has seen six wins in the opening eight games.

And, ahead of crunch games with Luton and Crawley, defender Yakubu reckons the Dons are surprising sides with their combative attitude.

He said: “It has not come as a surprise to us but I think it has caught other teams out.

“Obviously we talk a lot about the passing game here, but our first priority is to work hard.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the real essence of the team is the work ethic, and it is only natural that you will win games if you work harder than the opposition.

“Getting stuck in and outworking teams is then allowing us to get the ball down and play our game, and we are reaping the rewards of that.

“The players have bought into that work rate very quickly, and I think the coaching staff deserve all the praise for that.”

Yakubu was on target in last weekend’s 4-0 win over Bath City, to go with goals from Sammy Moore, Christian Jolley and Danny Kedwell.

And the former Barnet man admits he has his eye on some personal history this season.

Yakubu added: “I am happy with my goal tally, but you would always like to score more.

“I usually average around three or four goals a season from set pieces.

“My record at Barnet is five in a season so if I can better that I will be pretty pleased.”

The 25-year-old has brought some much-needed experience to a Dons back-line that has featured the likes of Ed Harris and Fraser Franks this campaign.

But Yakubu sees no reason why his defensive partners cannot deliver.

He added: “Obviously Brett Johnson is a very good defender and with him being injured, he is not that easy to replace.

“But the players that have come in have been excellent.

“Ed Harris has done really well and we have some good partnerships going.

“We have good a very good unit - they may be young but they learn quickly and work hard and that is enabling us to move forward as a team.”