Shropshire Star

Matthew Barnes-Homer has a part to play at AFC Telford – Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards admits AFC Telford United are having to be 'careful' with their recruitment, stating: "If we had a pot to keep dipping into, we would."

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The Bucks, who host Tamworth in a National North clash tonight, signed forward Max Leonard from league rivals Curzon Ashton earlier this month

There have been calls to bring in more faces to add more experience to the squad, but Edwards insists it is not straightforward to complete deals.

When asked if there any moves in the pipeline, he said: "Not at the moment, it's a difficult one really.

"If we had a pot to keep dipping into, then we would – but we don't.

"We have to be careful with how we do things, with the budget.

"We're always aware of what's out there but there will not be any additions at the moment.

"We have good options anyway, particularly with Jack Rea and John Marsden to come back from injury – and Ross White and Jon Royle to return from suspension."

One man Telford are aiming to keep hold of is striker Matthew Barnes-Homer.

He is dual registered with Halesowen Town – who he made two appearances for last month – but has been back in the Bucks fold in recent weeks.

The 31-year-old journeyman – who has had spells at the likes of Kidderminster Harriers and Luton Town – has scored once for Edwards' side, grabbing the winner against York City on the opening day of the campaign.

"At the moment, he is here with us," said Edwards.

"Barnesy has came on as a substitute for us recently. He has been training well and he'll be with us."

Meanwhile, Edwards has provided an update on the condition of former skipper Rea.

The 25-year-old midfielder – who is the club's longest-serving current player, having signed in January 2015 – has been out since August with an ankle injury.

Having had several scans and been given advice from multiple experts, he underwent a steroid injection on his ankle recently.

If it does not have the desired effect, Rea – who is being monitored closely by Telford physio Jake Roe, as well as Wolves' head of medical Phil Hayward – will need an operation.

"He is feeling OK," added Edwards.

"It'll all just go off how he feels over the next couple of weeks and then we'll take it from there."