Alternatives at AFC Telford for left-back spot
AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson is considering Sean Clancy and Kristian Platt as options at left-back for the season opener.
The Bucks are 48 hours away from the Conference Premier kick off, where they make the long trip to play Welling United on Saturday.
First choice left-back Chris Lever is out with a hamstring injury while centre-back Rod McDonald, the most natural replacement, won't be fit for two weeks after hurting his ankle.
Attacker Andy Owens took over from Lever when he was sidelined last weekend, in the first-half of a 2-0 friendly win at home to FC United of Manchester.
But Owens was panned by Watson after struggling at left-back earlier in pre-season during a 3-1 defeat at Witton Albion, which left question marks over his suitability.
And midfielder-winger Clancy and utility man Platt, who stepped in at right-back when Wes Baynes was unavailable during the summer schedule, are also in Watson's thoughts.
He said: "Andy has played for the England C team at left-back, so he can do it. The only worry I have got, at times, is whether he wants to.
"But if it's a case of that or not playing, I am sure he would want to. I used Sean at left-back when he was a kid at Burscough and he performed there comfortably, so that's another option.
"Kristian has done well and he's in contention to play. Chris Lever is right footed and plays on the left, so I don't consider that to be too much of an issue."
The Telford chief is likely to turn to the stars of last season's Conference North title-winning side when naming his starting line-up on Saturday.
Retained players Clancy, Adam Farrell and Mike Grogan could all take up their usual spots, while new-boys like Josh Hancock and Jordan Deacey are set to be on the bench.
Watson said: "For one or two of the younger players, it might do them good to watch a couple of the games before they dip their toe into it. For the first day, I would certainly go with experience."
Telford won three, lost three and drawn three in pre-season, with the manager adding: "I wouldn't be able to tell you if our pre-season form has been good or bad, it's been a mixed bag.
"We have had poor, alright and decent performances. That's what happens when you are trying to get the balance of a team and work out what shape you should play."
(Video courtesy of AFC Telford)
