Boss Andy Sinton is stepping up the battle for re-inforcements – after all but conceding defeat in the battle to keep Greg Mills at AFC Telford United.

The on-loan Derby winger has made a huge impression since linking up with the Bucks in August, though he was ineffectual in the 0-0 draw with Stafford Rangers on New Year’s Day – a result that knocked Telford off the top of the Blue Square Bet North.

Mills appears to have rejected overtures to keep him at the club for the rest of the season and was likely to make his last appearance in a Telford shirt at Nuneaton this afternoon.

“I can’t talk to the player any more and make him feel wanted,” said Sinton.

“I’ve been looking for potential replacements for a month and I don’t actually like filling a squad with loan players because eventually they’re going to go back.

“I had one ready-made replacement and if Greg was to stay I’d have taken both.

“But that door got slammed in my face a few days ago because the club he was going to come from picked up an injury.

“We’re now onto Plan C and we might have to alter the way we play slightly but I won’t be lying in bed losing sleep over it.”

Meanwhile, Sinton is still waiting to receive international clearance to sign a mystery target who has played more than 400 games at Football League level and recently spent time in Europe.

Terms have been agreed with the un-named man but the Christmas period has held up the registration process.

“It’s typical of FAs right across the world, this is the busiest time of year for football and yet they close their offices,” he said.

“But that isn’t a player in the Greg Mills position, it’s a different type of player. We’ve got enough in the squad and we’ll get by.”