Midfielder Kevin O’Connor could be set to make his first AFC Telford United start, with assistant manager Larry Chambers declaring: “He’s ready.”

The Bucks have named an unchanged line-up for the last three games, but will be forced to shuffle their pack at Blyth Spartans on Saturday because forward Steve Thompson is ruled out by a hamstring injury.

Former Wolves man O’Connor, 24, could come into the reckoning, having shone in a 40-minute outing as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Northwich on Tuesday evening.

The ex-Republic of Ireland under-21 international has made five appearances off the bench since coming to Telford to try and revive his career, having retired from the professional game due to injury.

Chambers said: “He’s not a replacement for Thommo – he’s a proper midfield player who likes to go deep and get on the ball, while Steve likes to play off the front two.

“But he showed at Northwich how good he is, and that he can adapt to any conditions. I do think he’s ready for a start now.

“He’s trained hard, he’s worked hard and his attitude has been superb.”

Meanwhile, Thompson will have physio on the hamstring injury he sustained against the Vics, with Chambers expecting him to be out for three-to-four weeks.

And he has been heading from his Sunderland home to Championship club Middlesbrough, where he began his career as a youngster, for treatment.

“He’s got a good relationship with the staff there and he’s been able to go and see their medical people,” added Chambers.

“It’s a massive blow for us that he’s injured because he’s really been effective.”

By CHRIS HUDSON