AFC Telford United have received a much-need injury boost – with a trio of doubtfuls set to be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup clash at Blyth Spartans.

Skipper Stuart Whitehead and midfielders Carl Rodgers and Phil Trainer were all struggling after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to Southport in the Blue Square North.

Whitehead needed stitches in a cut above his eye while Rodgers aggravated a toe injury and Trainer suffered a blow to his hip.

But assistant manager Larry Chambers revealed all three were on course to play a part in the fourth qualifying round tie against the Spartans.

“Stuey has had stitches but he’s okay and I don’t think he will be an issue,” said Chambers. “Bruno (the nickname for Rodgers) is a slight doubt because he has aggravated his foot.

“I saw him at training on Tuesday and he said he’d been feeling it, but he thought he’d be okay with a week’s rest.

“He didn’t break his toe, it was ligament damage.

“Phil Trainer took a smash on his hip and he came off against Southport,” the Bucks’ No 2 added. “He didn’t train on Tuesday but the physios seem to think he will be okay.”

l Former defender Neil Howarth has been unveiled as the third of four inductees into AFC Telford United’s Hall of Fame.

Howarth played for the old Telford United and stood by the club after it went into liquidation, signing on for the newly-formed AFC Telford as well.

His loyalty made him a popular figure with Bucks fans and he joins the late Les Wilson and Eddie Hogan in being inducted at the Legends Night at the Whitehouse Hotel on Saturday, November 18.

Tickets, priced £16 are available on 01939-260099 or 07971-979261.

By CHRIS HUDSON