Leading scorer Andy Brown has emerged as a doubt for AFC Telford United’s big FA Cup showdown with Lincoln on Saturday.

Brown, who has scored six times for the Bucks this season, suffered a rib injury in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at Solihull Moors.

With midfielder Carl Rodgers also struggling to overcome a foot problem, the Bucks face the prospect of being without two key performers for the visit of the League Two strugglers.

But manager Rob Smith today pledged to give the pair until the last possible moment to declare themselves fit.

“Andy is struggling with the same rib injury he had earlier in the season and he already has a bit of a groin strain so at this stage you would have to say he is doubtful,” said Smith.

“Carl is not progressing as quickly as we would like. It is still sore and I would say he is very much 50-50.

“I don’t expect either of them to train tonight but we will see how they are and we can keep an eye on them over the next couple of days.”

Telford will continue their preparations for Saturday’s tie this evening, with Smith planning to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of League Two club.

“We have had Lincoln watched and I’ve seen them on a DVD so we know all about them,” he added.

“There are a few things we need to work on for Saturday but it will be very much business as usual at training and just getting ready for Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Bucks officials are gearing up for an estimated crowd of 3,000 for Saturday’s encounter.

That would fall short of the 3,631who witnessed the Bucks’ thrilling 2-2 draw with Southend at the same stage 12 months ago, although attendances have dipped slightly this season.

Lincoln are expected to be backed by a travelling support of 700 and segregation will be in operation.