AFC Telford United manager Rob Smith is set to enter the transfer market to strengthen his squad ahead of a defining period of the season.

Telford face five games in 15 days starting with Saturday’s trip to Harrogate Town and with Andy Brown, Liam Blakeman and Sean Newton all limping out of the 3-0 win over Redditch, the Bucks boss is keen to bring in reinforcements.

“We’ve got a small squad and we got a lot of injuries so we need to strengthen now,” Smith said.

“Andy Brown really shouldn’t have started – he had a migraine before the game and you could tell he wasn’t right.

“Adam Dugdale carried on with a hip injury, Liam Blakeman has come off with an Achilles injury and Sean Newton has got a dodgy hamstring.

“Danny Carey-Bertram will be back next week and Andy Brown will definitely be all right. I think they’ll all be okay but we need to strengthen now.

“We’re still very much going for the play-offs and if we get in there then it’s a lottery – we know that ourselves.

“But now is the time to strengthen and hopefully we can do that in the week.”

Smith remained tight-lipped over any possible transfer targets but the performances of Stuart Whitehead and Kevin O’Connor – who both came off the bench against Redditch – will have reminded him that the current squad does possess plenty of quality.

“Kevin O’Connor came on and gave an unbelievable performance – we’ve got a player there that’s for certain,” Smith added.

“And I thought Stu was great when he came on.

“It’s been hard not picking him but I think Stu has taken it like a real pro. Of course it’s difficult to leave him out but Adam Dugdale is here to play games.”

By ALEX JAMES