Rodgers ready for return

Rodgers - who has been out of senior action at Telford since spraining his ankle against Burscough in September - lasted the full 90 minutes of last night's game at the New Bucks Head.

The midfielder also played for Southern League side Malvern on Saturday in a bid to improve his fitness and now seems ready for a first team appearance against Gateshead.

Manager Rob Smith explained that with Lee Vaughan and Steve Palmer both suspended, Rodgers is almost certain to claim a place on the bench.

He said: "Carl has to be in the team on Saturday - we haven't got that many players available because of suspensions and injuries.

"He will definitely be in the 14 on Saturday and now he just needs to get some games under his belt."

Smith's squad has been further depleted by an injury setback for Dave Woodvine.

The defender joined Rodgers in the Malvern line-up last weekend as part of his comeback from a groin injury, but broke down with a tendon damage and now looks set to miss the next few matches.

Smith added: "Dave Woodvine has got a tendon problem and is definitely a doubt for Saturday.

"I would say it is about a two week injury. He is under physio treatment at the moment."

In last night's Central Conference clash, Telford went behind to a 60th-minute goal from Jimmi-Lee Jones, before Worcester skipper Shabir Khan doubled the lead a few moments later.

Rodgers' goal just a minute from the end gave Telford hope of staging a late comeback, until a second strike from Jones sealed the points.

By James Shaw