AFC Telford United are facing a midfield selection crisis for their New Year’s Day revenge mission at Wrexham – with THREE first choice players suspended.

Loanee Jay Smith was already sidelined for the trip to the Racecourse, and Phil Trainer and Richard Davies have now joined him on the sidelines after yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Wrexham.

Trainer was sent off in stoppage time of the loss to the Blue Square Bet North leaders, while Davies picked up a 10th caution of the season so is in line for a two-game ban.

“Richard’s on five bookings but we just want to check if that expires on December 31,” said Sinton. “We might get lucky but I expect him to be suspended.

“With Phil and Jay out we are up against it but there’s always someone to step in.

“Phil gives us a little bit of strength and a little bit of presence and Carl Rodgers someone who springs to mind in that role.

“He’s been out the frame for a while, he’s had niggly little injuries, but in our situation he might be a solution.

“You need someone with his sort of battling qualities when you’re in the sort of fight we are in, though I’m not saying yes or no at this stage.”

Meanwhile, Sinton is also sweating on centre-back Dan Preston after he was injured in a clash with Wrexham’s Danny Wright – the Dragons forward escaping with a yellow card.

Preston had only come on at half-time in place of Stuart Whitehead –who suffered a back problem – but lasted less than half an hour before going off.

“He might be okay but delayed concussion can be quite serious,” said Sinton.

“If he got another knock on his head you would have to take him straight off for his own health and welfare which, let’s face it, is the most important thing rather than a game of football.

“He wasn’t feeling on top of the world after the game yesterday but he’s a tough, young boy – I will have to speak to the doctor and the physios.”