AFC Telford all set to take on Worcester

AFC Telford United's promotion bandwagon rolls into Worcester tomorrow - as powerhouse midfielder Carl Rodgers reaches an appearance landmark.

Rodgers will make his 187th appearance for the Blue Square Bet North outfit tomorrow, passing Lee Vaughan's record for the most games played for the Bucks by an outfield player.

Only long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Young has now played more, and former Colwyn Bay man Rodgers is delighted to pass Vaughan.

"I knew I was up there but I didn't know I was that high up," said Rodgers, who turns 27 next week and has been rejuvenated since Andy Sinton took charge last summer.

"It's great to be second on the list and I enjoy playing for Telford. I might reach 200 soon and that will be another milestone.

"It is something I can look back on when I've finished playing and it's nice to be able to say I've made so many appearances.

"There's a few of us who have been here a while now and that's important to the team to have that experience."

Sinton has paid tribute to the impact of Rodgers.

"He has been great," said the Telford boss.

"People were wondering what I was going to do with Carl at the start of the season but, like a lot of players, he has just got better and better and better.

Sinton is preparing for a tough encounter at mid-table Worcester, but knows victory is imperative to maintain the pressure on their rivals — most notably Alfreton who are on the same number of points but have three games in hand.

"All we can do is focus on our own results," he added.

Defender Liam Murray has returned to training, although tomorrow's game may come to soon, while Bucks officials are still waiting for international clearance from the Belgian FA for former Hereford man Danny Williams.

By ALEX JAMES