AFC Telford United should be close to full strength for their New Year’s Day showdown at Stafford Rangers – with loan forward Andre Gray signing for a second month.

Teenager Gray has proved a hit since making a temporary switch from county neighbours Shrewsbury Town.

And the Bucks have now reached an agreement with Town boss Paul Simpson to keep hold of the young striker, though Shrewsbury have insisted on a 24-hour recall period.

“Andre’s different to anything else we have got,” said Telford’s assistant manager Larry Chambers.

“He’s very pacy, very direct and, with a bit more composure, he could have had a couple of goals at Hinckley on Monday.

“As far as Shrewsbury are concerned, it’s good for his development. We’ve got a good relationship with Paul Simpson, he’s been helpful to us since day one.”

Gray will join up with the Bucks for tomorrow’s Blue Square North clash at Stafford, and will be joined by fit-again Carl Rodgers and Damian Reeves.

“They’ll both be in the squad,” Chambers confirmed.

“Damian has been ill over Christmas but he’s fine now.

“Carl Rodgers has been struggling with his groin and couldn’t play two games in three days, but he is okay for tomorrow.

“That leaves Andy Brown, who’s got an ongoing problem with his rib.

“We have to be careful with Browny. We’ve been told he needs rest and if we can get through tomorrow without using him then he has got more than a week to the next game.”

Chambers remains hopeful tomorrow’s game will go ahead as scheduled, despite a forecast of a heavy frost.

“I think there’s every chance,” he said. “I have a friend in Stafford and he tells me there’s been no snow or anything so, fingers crossed, it should be on.”

By CHRIS HUDSON