Boss Rob Smith has put plans to strengthen his AFC Telford United squad on hold ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Hendon – but expects signings next week.

The Telford chief has made no secret of his desire to bring in new faces after expressing frustration with the performance in Tuesday’s 2-1 extra-time win over Solihull Moors in the Setanta Shield.

He is not planning to make a move ahead of the trip to Wembley FC for the big third qualifying round game, but has already been busy behind the scenes.

“Whoever we look to sign will probably be cup-tied anyway, but I wouldn’t rule out someone coming in next week,” said Smith.

“We’ve gone 14 games now and, looking at the positives, we’ve only lost two – we’re unbeaten at home, in a decent position in the league and still in all of the cup competitions.

“But in our heart of hearts we know it’s not been happening for us and we don’t want to get caught out further down the line.

Struggled

“We’re not stupid and we know we’re not firing on all cylinders. 

“Tuesday night proved it to me when, in a game we should have won comfortably, we struggled again.

“Things have been going on in the background for a while and we could have one or two in soon.”

Meanwhile, midfielder-turned-defender Carl Rodgers looks set to be out for up to three weeks after picking up a groin strain in the win over Solihull.

His absence means Jimmy Turner will be on the substitutes’ bench on Saturday.

Smith had hoped to give the former captain a 30-minute run-out in Tuesday’s Shield tie in order to kick-start his return from injury, but was forced to abandon those plans due to the tight nature of the game.

He has no qualms abut the prospect of throwing him on for an important FA Cup clash though, insisting: “He’s a fit lad and he’d get through it.”

By CHRIS HUDSON