Striker Gary Birch insists he is ready to defy claims that his AFC Telford United season was over by returning to action in just two weeks.The former Walsall and Lincoln marksman suffered a medial ligament injury in the 1-1 draw at Gainsborough earlier this month, and early medical opinion had led boss Rob Smith to write him off for the rest of the campaign.

But the 26-year-old has made rapid progress, and could now be available again for the crucial Blue Square North run-in.

“He tells me he’s only two weeks away and hopefully we’ll have that confirmed at training tonight,” said Smith.

“But there’s certainly a possibility that we may see him before the end of the season. That would be a surprise, but a welcome one.

“He was just coming into a run of form so it was disappointing to see him get injured, but if we can get him back for three or four weeks it wouldn’t be too bad.”

Defender Stuart Whitehead was also thought to be on the long-term injury list after damaging ankle ligaments in the same game at Gainsborough.

But intensive treatment at former club Kidderminster has accelerated the healing process and he could now return in three to four weeks.

“We’ve got a decent relationship with Kidderminster and it’s been a big help to us,” added Smith.

“We’ve got Jamie Vermiglio back training tonight so our injuries are clearing up, and we’ve only got Birchy and Stuart on the treatment table.”

Meanwhile, last night’s reserve game with Burton Albion in the Central Conference League was postponed in order to protect the New Bucks Head pitch.

Telford’s second string will now play away to Burton tomorrow evening, with the home fixture on Tuesday next week.

The reserves play twice next week, as they also have a cup game away to Redditch on the Thursday.