Former West Brom prospect Dwayne Samuels is fighting to earn a deal at AFC Telford United – and will make his club debut in tonight’s opening friendly at Rocester.

The 20-year-old, who can play at right-back or in a wing-back role, has been working with the Bucks since the start of pre-season training.

Wolverhampton-based Samuels, who made 11 appearances for Grimsby in the Blue Square Bet Premier last season, will appear against Rocester along with another trialist, former Newcastle Town man Jordan Johnson.

“We’ve liked what we’ve seen of Dwayne and I had a good chat with him after training last night,” said Sinton.

“He can play in two or three different positions – as a right-back a right midfielder or as a wing-back – and he gives us options for the squad,” he added.

“I don’t really see him as being on trial tonight – I haven’t made any offer to him yet but I will do soon.”

Meanwhile, Sinton confirmed that a large squad of 22 players will head to Midland Alliance outfit Rocester, with the manager planning to change the entire team at half-time.

Forward James Lawrie is the only senior player not involved as he has a gum infection that has also sidelined him for the last three training sessions.

“I’m taking two full teams with everyone just playing 45 minutes,” Sinton confirmed.

“I’ll be like Sven-Goran Eriksson when he was England manager, making 11 changes at half-time!”

• The Bucks will be back in action on Thursday, when a side which will be largely made up of trialists travel to face Ellesmere Rangers – also of the Midland Alliance – at Beech Grove.

By CHRIS HUDSON