Defensive lynchpin Indy Khela was today hoping to move a step closer to an earlier-than expected return to aid AFC Telford United’s promotion push.Khela was due to go for a scan to assess his recovery from the stress fracture to the shin he suffered in November.

It was initially feared the 24-year-old would be out of action for the remainder of the season, but those predictions have since been scaled down dramatically.

“We will know more about Indy after today but it’s all fingers crossed,” said manager Rob Smith.

“As soon as he gets the all clear, he can return to training and it would be a massive boost if that was sooner rather than later.”

Despite potentially positive news on Khela, the Bucks boss remains determined to bring another central defender to the club.

But he admits hopes of signing Worcester City captain Chris Smith appear to be fading, with the Bucks still not receiving a response to a second, undisclosed bid for the player from their Blue Square North rivals.

“Our position is clear – we gave them a deadline and we haven’t heard anything yet and we will not be making any further contact,” added Smith.

“If the goalposts change from their point of view and they come back to us then the process may start again.

“But I doubt that will happen. They were talking about getting to the play-offs and got a result (beating Southport 1-0 on Saturday) so I don’t see that changing.”

It is understood the Worcester directors are due to meet in the next 24 hours to consider the bid.

Ankle and knee injuries to Gary Fitzpatrick and Simon Forsdick respectively will be assessed at training tonight.

Smith is also waiting for Michael Husbands to receive the all-clear from Lilleshall before securing a deal to keep the striker at the club for the remainder of the season. It now looks likely that will be a loan move.