Midfielder Phil Trainer makes a faster-than-expected comeback tonight as AFC Telford United bid for a return to winning ways at home to Farsley Celtic.

It had been feared the on-loan Oxford man might be out for the rest of the season when he damaged his medial ligaments, ironically in the defeat away to Farsley a fortnight ago.

But his recovery has gone well, and the goalscoring midfield maestro is now in line to start this evening – with Telford eager to pick up after gaining just one point from their last two Blue Square North outings.

It is a crunch clash for the Bucks, who are playing their fifth game in just nine days and chasing the seven points manager Rob Smith believes will be enough to seal a play-off place.

“Phil’s return is positive news because he’s a key player,” said Smith. “He worked hard before the game on Monday (at Alfreton) and came through it, so that’s one body back.

“The play-offs are still in our hands, and it’s up to us to get three points tonight so we have to go for it.

“We can see the finishing line and we need a minimum of seven points out of 12. That’s do-able.”

The Bucks will be without midfielder Jon Adams tonight, the former Leamington man having pulled a hamstring in the first half of the 3-1 defeat at Alfreton.

A decision will be taken before kick-off on skipper Stuart Whitehead, but Smith admits he has played “too much” football and may need a rest.

Striker Andy Brown had a scan yesterday on his knee ligament injury and, while the results were not due until later today, Smith is optimistic he will be fit in time for the final game of the season, with Tamworth, on April 25.

Midfielder Jamie Vermiglio, who had been playing with a broken back and a slipped disc, was given an epidural injection yesterday.

He must give that 10 days to settle down before he can find out if it will do the job and enable him to resume his playing career.

By CHRIS HUDSON