Skipper Shane Killock insists he has put his mid-season drop in form behind him as he prepares to lead AFC Telford United into a crucial run-in.

The 22-year-old found himself out of the side prior to Saturday’s victory over Braintree, but returned to the starting eleven as the Bucks secured a clean sheet and three points.

And the defender, who has been courted by League clubs since joining Telford 18 months ago, is adamant he can play a key role in ensuring Andy Sinton’s men survive in their first Blue Square Bet Premier season.

“My form has not been great and I’ll be the first to admit that,” said the former Huddersfield man.

“The gaffer saw fit to bring in another couple of centre halves with experience and they’ve done well but I really enjoyed being back in.

“I hate sitting out and watching. I want to be in the side and I have been over the last 18 months.

“It’s something quite hard to get used to when you have been playing to go to sitting on the bench or in the stand but hopefully I can keep my place now and play my part.”

Killock also believes the experience of being dropped will stand him in good stead.

“I am still young and I’ve played a lot of football here,” he added. “Everyone has spells where they dip in form. When that happens it’s the way you react that makes the difference.”

The captain added that he believes the Bucks are now getting to grips with the step up in quality.

“We have made a lot of silly mistakes and we’ve given teams goals this season,” he said.

“Whereas last season we might have got away with it now we’re being punished.

“As a defender you pride yourself on keeping clean sheets. If you don’t then you don’t feel you’ve done your job.”

See also:

• Andy Sinton eyes clean sheets after AFC Telford win
• AFC Telford 1 Braintree 0 – Match analysis
• AFC Telford 1 Braintree Town 0 – in pictures