Carl Rodgers on target for AFC Telford's big start

Midfield warhorse Carl Rodgers is on course to be fit for AFC Telford United's Blue Square Bet Premier debut – but will not return to training until next week.

Rodgers, the club's longest-serving player, needed five stitches in a cut below his eye which he received during the 3-0 friendly win at Rushall on Monday evening.

Assistant manager Read is confident he will be fit for the visit of Luton Town on Saturday, August 13 – but admits he will certainly not be involved in this weekend's friendly with League Two side Burton Albion.

"I spoke to Carl this morning and he's in good spirits but there's still quite a bit of swelling around his eye," said Read.

"His eye was still closed on Tuesday so he didn't even travel for the game with Hereford.

"He will come in for an assessment tonight but any training he does will be on his own and just a little bit of leg work.

"He's having his stitches removed on Monday so we will take it from there."

Meanwhile, centre-back Robbie Williams will return to training, despite picking up a knee injury in the Rushall game as well.

"He's just got a little bit of stiffness in his joint but it's nothing serious," Read said.

Winger Greg Mills could also be back in the equation for the weekend , the former Derby man having shaken off the worst effects of a bout of tonsillitis as he bids to earn a deal.

By Chris Hudson