AFC Telford United have received a timely boost with news that star right-back Lee Vaughan should be fit for Saturday’s FA Trophy match against Hayes and Yeading.

Consistent performer Vaughan missed the Stafford Rangers defeat on New Year’s Day with a hamstring injury but has recovered ahead of schedule and is expected to return to the fray on the weekend.

And there is also positive news from skipper Stuart Whitehead, who could be back in first team action as early as Saturday week.

Centre-back Whitehead was expected to be out until at least February with medial ligament damage but is making good progress with his rehabilitation at Lilleshall sports centre.

“It’s massive news for us to have those two on their way back,” said manager Rob Smith. 

“We had a full squad for much of the start of the season but we have been hit hard recently.

“We just have to get on with it and deal the best that we can.”

Indy Khela (hamstring) remains ruled out for two weeks whilst Steve Jagielka (medial ligaments) is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

Meanwhile, talks were today ongoing as Telford tried to secure the signing of left-back James Meredith until the end of the season.

It was hoped that the paperwork would be completed at last night’s training session, but Bucks chiefs are still locked in discussions with parent club Shrewsbury Town.

“The player wants to come but we still have to do a deal with Shrewsbury,” confirmed Smith.

“It’s a financial thing and we will just have to see how things progress. We can afford what we can afford and that is it unfortunately.

“I think you could tell in Mezza’s last couple of performances that it has been playing on his mind lately – he just wants it sorted as quickly as possible.”

By SEAN WOZENCROFT