Depleted AFC Telford United have just 14 fit players for tonight’s showpiece pre-season friendly with Championship newboys Nottingham Forest at the New Bucks Head (7.15pm).
Boss Rob Smith is without Matty Lewis, Lee Vaughan, Asa Charlton, Simon Forsdick and Jimmy Turner through injury, while veteran Gary Fitzpatrick is unavailable.
But he is still relishing the challenge of pitting himself against a Forest side that could include former Manchester United and England ace Andy Cole.
Cole, who joined the East Midlands outfit this summer after leaving Sunderland, has been struggling with a minor knock which he picked up in a 2-1 victory over German second division side Offenbach Kickers in Frankfurt on Friday.
But boss Colin Calderwood has named him in his party for the New Bucks Head tonight - raising hopes that he will make his first Forest appearance on English soil against the Bucks.
The 36-year-old was absent for a 3-1 win at Burton last night, along with fellow new recruit Robert Earnshaw - though the Welsh international is not expected to feature tonight.
“I’d imagine it will be a strong side and that suits us - we want to see as many big names here as we can,” said Smith.
“We’re expecting them to be sending a first team and there seems to be a lot of interest in the game.
“The players are looking forward to it - at least the ones we have got left are, in any case!
“We’ve only got 14 fit players for tonight and we’re bringing two youth lads (Andrew Hartlebury and Simon Gregory) in to boost our numbers.”
Meanwhile, Smith was at Crown Meadow last night to see Bridgnorth book a place against his side in the semi-finals of the Shropshire Senior Cup on Monday, with a 1-0 win over Shifnal.
“It was a really hectic game and quite competitive, too,” he said. See page 46.
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