Adebayo Akinfenwa is praised by Gareth Ainsworth ahead of FA Cup game

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has been in full praise of Adebayo Akinfenwa in the build-up to the Chairboy’s FA Cup tie versus Tottenham.

Ainsworth revealed how important the forward is to his side regardless of whether he is starting games or not.

The striker was signed in 2016 with many thinking it was just a mere PR stunt but he has gone on to become Wycombe’s all-time EFL top goalscorer.

Without the Akinfenwa, Ainsworth believes he wouldn’t be a Championship manager.

He said: “You would think he wants to be all about him and people have got him so wrong.

“He doesn't want it to be all about him, he wants it to be all about the team.

“He loves leading in the dressing room, he'll be the one giving the huddle in the dressing room.

“He'll be the one going around telling him how good they can be, whether he's starting, a sub, or when’s he's not even in the squad.

“I'm so, so glad I signed him.

“I wouldn't be sat here as a championship manager if it wasn't for Bayo Akinfenwa

“But he also turns around and says I wouldn't be playing in the championship if it wasn't for you.

“We have this mutual respect for each other.

“We have our arguments, we'll have our heated words and sometimes it can get heated in my office.

“It's just me and him and outside that, it's all for Wycombe."

“I wouldn't be a championship manager without him" - Ainsworth in full praise of Akinfenwa