Smith backs teenager Durrell

Young ace Elliott Durrell has been backed to shine by boss Rob Smith ahead of only his second league start for AFC Telford United.

The teenager is a confirmed starter for tomorrow’s clash with Blyth Spartans at the New Bucks Head, with regular right wing-back Lee Vaughan suspended.

Durell made his mark in the 3-2 win over Soliull Moors in the Setanta Shield - scoring the winner - and then made his full league debut in the 1-0 win over Burscough.

“Elliott will start,” Smith confirmed. “He’s really impressed me and I’ve no doubts about throwing him in with Vaughany out, though we’re still taking a softly-softly approach.

“Some people got carried away with the Solihull game, but we didn’t and neither did Elliott.

“But he’s listened and learned and he’s really impressed in training. He’s been accepted into the squad, and that’s not always easy.”

Striker Gary Birch is also in the squad for tomorrow’s game, with Smith revealing he has scrapped plans to send the former Lincoln City man back on loan to Rushall Olympic.

“Gary wants to stay and fight for his place,” said Smith.

“It means in the short-term he’ll be on the bench and not playing games, but that’s what he wants to do and I respect that.”

Jamie Vermiglio, however, has been ruled out of the side again with bruised ribs - and that is a blow to the Bucks boss, who had thought his key midfielder was on the mend.

“I was really hoping, but if anything he seems to be getting worse and he’s definitely out,” he added.

It is the first of two meetings in a fortnight with Blyth, who will return to Shropshire for the first round of the FA Trophy - and Smith is warning fans they may have to be patient.

“They’re a really good side and they’ll turn up and defend for their lives,” he added.