Dillon ready to impress at Bucks

The teenage midfielder, who turns 19 next Thursday, is described by Bucks boss Rob Smith as "a Steve McManaman lookalike" and makes his first appearance in tonight's friendly with Kidderminster Harriers at the New Bucks Head (7.45pm).

A broken ankle hampered his progress at Crewe and, despite a successful loan spell with Leigh RMI last season, he has been let go after turning down the chance to make a temporary move to Icelandic side IBV.

Crewe had hoped to monitor his progress in Iceland and then invite him back for a trial to decide if he was worth another contract.

"We've been aware of him for a while," said Smith. "He went to Leigh RMI last year and did well but he broke his ankle. Crewe wanted him to go on loan to an Icelandic club but he didn't want to go, so they've released him. He's got some ability and we'll just take a look at him."

Smith has been delighted by his players' progress in training this week, and feels tonight's game will give them a gauge of how much progress they have made.

"This will be a really good marker of where we've got to," he added. "We had a very productive training session last night.

"You could see a marked improvement because we're getting closer to the start of the season now, and it's getting more competitive. The fitness levels are good and people are upping their game.

"We're looking more where we want to be."

Definitely not involved tonight is trialist defender Andy Tretton, who missed Tuesday's 5-2 win at Pilkington and last night's training session because of a family crisis - but would be back next week.

Striker Luke Reynolds has a calf problem and will be rested until the Marine game on August 4, while midfielder Carl Rodgers (groin) is on target to return at Malvern next Thursday.

Key defender Indy Khela saw a specialist yesterday and got a glowing report on the state of his healing shoulder.

By Chris Hudson