Alan Moogan faces time out for AFC Telford
AFC Telford United expect to be without midfielder Alan Moogan for Saturday's Skrill Conference North crunch clash at home to Harrogate Town.
Moogan was replaced at half-time during last weekend's 3-1 win at Gainsborough Trinity with a groin strain.
The club's player-coach is now awaiting an appointment to see a specialist before he can get the nod to play again, which is unlikely to come in time.
The injury is not thought to be serious – the former Everton trainee is able to walk without too much discomfort and has remained with the playing group.
He was present for Tuesday night's 4-1 friendly victory at Welsh Premier League side Airbus, but will not be risked on the pitch until he is medically cleared.
Bucks manager Liam Watson will give the player as long as he needs, but the 29-year-old is not expected to be out for long, perhaps back within a fortnight.
Watson said: "Alan is still a bit stiff, but I think it's short-term rather than long-term. He's got to go back and see a specialist who will, hopefully, give him the all clear.
"He went to the doctors on Monday, he's just got to get a referral which I would have thought will be in the next couple of weeks. It's a bit of a blow for everyone.
"His injury could have cleared up by then, but he's still got to get totally re-assessed. It's a long season and I am sure he will still have an impact."
Playmaker Charlie Barnett replaced Moogan at Gainsborough and had a hand in the equaliser, also setting up the fourth goal for Mike Phenix in Tuesday's friendly.
Barnett will now partner Russell Benjamin in an instant recall after being dropped, having started in the Bank Holiday Monday 1-1 draw at home to Solihull Moors.
Watson said: "Charlie got to step up and make it happen for us. It's an opportunity for him now. He got another 90 minutes on Tuesday.
"It's going to take him a while to get used to how we play. The more minutes he gets on the pitch to do that, the better."
