Striker Alex Meechan will face a last-minute fitness test before high-flying AFC Telford United decide whether to risk him in tomorrow’s trip to Redditch.

The former Forest Green hitman was forced off with a groin injury before half-time in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Gloucester.

And boss Andy Sinton admits the 30-year-old’s hopes of featuring in the Bucks’ bid for a fifth consecutive Blue Square Bet North victory are in the balance.

Steve Abbott and Northern Ireland international James Lawrie are waiting in the wings to deputise should Meechan be ruled out.

“Alex is a lot better than he was but it’s going to be touch and go for tomorrrow and for Monday’s game with Nuneaton as well,” said the Telford chief.

“He’s seeing someone up where he lives (near Chester) today and we will leave it until the last minute before we decide.

“We’ve got Steve and James if needs be, and they are champing at the bit to play — not many teams could be sitting an international on the bench at our level,” added Sinton.

“We’ve also got Philip John and Greg Mills who can play there and offer pace.”

Redditch have had a torrid start to the season, losing all four so far — and their two home games to date have seen them go down 5-1 to Alfreton and 9-0 to Boston.

But they put up a more spirited performance in losing 3-2 at Corby on Wednesday evening.

“I went to that game and they should have got something from it,” said Sinton.

“Sitting in the crowd I heard Corby fans talking about the 9-0 defeat and they thought it would be easy, but I knew it wouldn’t be like that.

“We have to get our mindset right and approach the game as we have the previous four.”

By Chris Hudson