Boss Rob Smith has dismissed talk of defender Lee Vaughan quitting AFC Telford United, insisting: “He’s here to stay.”

There has been speculation elsewhere that the right wing-back had demanded crunch talks with his manager over his future at the club after finding himself left out of the matchday squad in recent outings.

Smith accepts Vaughan – who was named in the Blue Square North team of the year last season – is frustrated by his lack of first team opportunities of late.

But he added: “I spoke to Lee at training on Thursday night and it’s a story out of nothing.

“To me it’s simple in that he was suspended and injured at the start of the season. Martyn Naylor came in and did ever so well and I’m not going to drop him on the back of that. There’s frustration from all the lads not in the team but that’s understandable and I’m not bothered by that.

“The only way for Lee to get back in the team is by playing well, and he did his chances no harm (against Gainsborough in the Setanta Shield on Tuesday).”

Smith also said he had been delighted to read in the Shropshire Star that young striker Jarred Stevens was prepared to commit himself to the club.

“It’s pleasing news and I was happy to read about that,” he said. “I spoke to him on Thursday and said: ‘You hadn’t told me that!’

“Our squad is really happy right now, and everyone will get their chance as the season goes on.”

* Telford will be in the draw for the second qualifying round of the FA Cup on Monday.