Defender Gavin Cowan is backing AFC Telford United to prove they have the strength in depth to start the season without injured skipper Stuart Whitehead.

The club captain looks almost certain to miss the Blue Square North opener against Blyth Spartans on Saturday after damaging his knee ligaments last weekend.

But Cowan – whose partnership with Whitehead helped the Bucks to the best defensive record in the league last season – believes there is no reason for panic.

“He’s getting a bit older now and these things take more time to heel,” said Cowan. “He’s looking doubtful for Saturday but he’s hoping to be back for the second or third game.

“Jimmy Turner’s come back strongly and, when he’s fit and confident, he’s a very good player. If you can keep two of us fit out of the three then I think we’ll be fine.

“I’ve heard a few fans say we should have more cover but I think you’d prefer to have quality rather than quantity.

“What would you rather have – five bog standard centre-halves or three who the manager thinks can keep clean sheets every game?”

Meanwhile, Cowan is determined to prove more of a threat at the other end of the park this time around by weighing in with more goals in 2009-10.

He managed just two all last season, but got a brace in the 3-0 friendly win over Prescot Cables last month.

“Last year was probably my worst year for goals,” said Cowan. “Normally I pride myself on trying to get close to double figures.

“For some reason it didn’t happen, but the gaffer has set me a target this season and I’m going to be going all out to reach it.

“We’ve spent months waiting for the new season and I just wish I could fast forward to Saturday so we could get going,” added Cowan.