Rod McDonald on way back for AFC Telford
AFC Telford United defender Rod McDonald is on the comeback trail - but Sunday's game against Aldershot will come too soon.
The Bucks' summer signing has been sidelined for longer than expected with an ankle injury, which has caused him to miss four weeks.
But McDonald took part in training last night, although he won't be risked in Sunday's Conference Premier clash at the New Bucks Head.
Manager Liam Watson has a week to get the 22-year-old back to full fitness after the weekend, before the following Saturday's visit to Bristol Rovers.
It will be all hands on deck, with a Bank Holiday Monday game that the Bucks boss will also relish at home to Southport, after switching sides last year.
Former Sandgrounders stopper Chris Lever is also nearing a return after a hamstring problem, while winger Josh Hancock awaits his first competitive match minutes.
Watson said: "You take one game at a time in this league, everything is built up towards Aldershot and then we can regroup before we go again.
"We will be coming in for training Tuesday and Thursday next week, like we always do, and one or two could do with a little bit of extra fitness work.
"Josh hasn't got onto the pitch while Rod and Chris are coming back from injury, so they will need to be topping themselves up."
McDonald could struggle to get a place in his favoured centre-back position, due to the form of captain Steve Akrigg and Neill Byrne.
But the former Hereford United man is a contender to play at left-back, where Andy Owens has filled in while Lever was out injured.
Watson said: "I think Steve Akrigg has led from the front and 'Byrney' has done well, he just needs to keep his performances consistent.
"If he can do that, I am sure he will have a big future in the game."
Watson hopes the home fans will again make themselves heard on Sunday, after being humbled by their response on Tuesday night.
Supporters rose in unison to show their appreciation for the Telford players at full-time, despite a 3-2 home loss to Macclesfield Town.
He said: "With the ways the fans clapped us off, it was probably the best reception I have had since I have been Telford manager.
"I didn't envisage leaving the pitch to a standing ovation and there was lots of complements for the players. It was uncanny."
