Ben McLaughlin's season is over at Bucks

The Everton youngster, who joined the Bucks on loan in January, limped out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Alfreton after just 19 minutes.

And manager Steve Kittrick said: "Ben is going to be out now for the rest of the season.

"He is going to be out for 12 weeks in rehab and he is back at Everton. It is his tendon that has come off on the bone.

"It is a blow because he's a good lad to have in the dressing room and around the place, he's a good player.

"I don't think he has been at his best for the last couple of games but he has been enthusiastic, he's trained well and he wanted to stay here until the end of the season, so it is disappointing."

McLaughlin has played eight games for the Bucks at full-back, including seven Conference Premier matches and one FA Trophy game against Fylde.

Kittrick is hopeful of better news regarding midfielder Jack Rea for Saturday's trip to Torquay United.

Rea, who had only just returned to action from a knee injury last week, had been due to start Tuesday night's Shropshire Senior Cup final against Shrewsbury Town's youth team.

He played no part after feeling discomfort in his knee during the warm-up but Kittrick said: "I think he is going to be alright."

Telford could also include new signing James Montgomery in the squad for the long haul to Plainmoor. The former Guiseley goalkeeper has been signed on a non-contract deal.

And Kittrick is hopeful that the talented youngster will help push current first choice Freddy Hall and Birmingham City loanee Callum Preston for the No 1 spot.

He said: "Freddy has been doing really well. He has stepped up to the mark but he's got to have competition.

"Everybody has to have competition for places and it will be good for him. Whether James will be involved on Saturday, at this point I don't know but he is eligible and he can play if we need him."