AFC Telford United defender Jimmy Turner is targeting the Setanta Shield clash with Solihull Moors to make his long-awaited comeback.The former club captain has been out of action since the summer when a seemingly routine clean-up operation on his knee was complicated by an infection.

Boss Rob Smith this week revealed Turner was close to making a playing comeback and suggested the player could be sent away on a month’s loan to regain full match fitness.

But Turner is determined to pull on the white Telford jersey as soon as possible, and believes the Setanta Shield second round tie on Tuesday, October 7 could be the ideal opportunity.

“With me being on contract, if I’m going to go anywhere else it has to be for 28 days,” he revealed. “I can’t just go out for the odd game like some of the lads have done.

“I’ve targeted the Setanta Shield game and I’d like to think I might be able to play some part in that.

“It would be good to get some competitive football at last because it’s been a while.”

Turner’s rehabilitation has been boosted by two separate weeks of intensive treatment and training at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall.

That has seen him rubbing shoulders with the likes of former Newcastle defender Olivier Bernard, who is recuperating from a hip injury, and Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Calvin Jack.

“I was at Lilleshall three weeks ago and again this week,” he said. “They’re happy with my progress and they said I can join in with the football side of things in training.

“There’s been nine of us down there in total and it’s been a good laugh – but hard work as well.

“I can’t wait to get back playing, it’s been so frustrating having to watch.

“When you’re sitting in the stands you’re the best player ever!”

By Chris Hudson