Midfielder Jon Adams has been ruled out of AFC Telford United’s Blue Square North play-off final at Gateshead – and boss Rob Smith has doubts over three more stars.

Adams had hoped to recover from a hamstring injury in time to play a part in tomorrow night’s crunch clash, as the Bucks look to win promotion to the top flight of non-League football.

But he was ruled out after failing to train last night, while Smith is also sweating over the availability of defender Gavin Cowan, midfielder Liam Blakeman and striker Andy Brown.

“Jon Adams is 100 per cent out, which is devastating for Jon and for us,” said the Telford chief.

“It’s a two-to-three week injury and there’s nothing we can do about it.

“He came back against Tamworth (on April 25) but aggravated it again and that set him right back.

“He’s very, very down but, like I said to him, he’s had good times this season against Southend in the FA Cup and he will have more good times with us in his career.”

On the prospects for the other trio, Smith added: “Liam’s got an ankle injury he picked up in the second leg of the play-off semi-final with Alfreton and Gav’s got a thigh injury he picked up in the first leg.

“Andy’s still struggling with his knee ligaments so we will just have to see. I’m just hoping all three of them will be okay.”

The Bucks were put through their paces in a final session at the Sundorne Sports Village in Shrewsbury last night.

The squad enjoyed a light session before a team meeting to discuss arrangements and plans for the game.

“I think we’re all getting excited now,” added Smith. “Training went well and we’re looking forward to getting up there.”

Meanwhile, Telford’s away support for the big match at the International Stadium continues to grow, with the club now taking bookings for a 14th coach.

Almost 700 fans have now reserved seats after the club decided to heavily subsidise the cost, charging just £5 for the 450-mile round-trip.

Delighted chairman Lee Carter revealed: “Our regular coach suppliers Elcocks have told us that 14 is the maximum number of coaches they can supply, so if we need any more now, we will have to start scratching around other companies.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest and I think we are going to have well over 1,000 supporters up there getting behind the team,” he added.

By CHRIS HUDSON