Gavin Cowan: Zak Lilly is pushing for a Telford starting spot

Former Thomas Telford pupil Lilly was turned from a forward to a centre-half over the summer.

The 20-year-old is yet to play this season and the plan was to send him out to get some game time a few weeks ago, but Bucks boss Cowan said: “I think he’s closer to the first team than he’s ever been.

“I know he played as a forward or on the right side a few seasons ago, but that’s not his position – he’s a centre-half.

“In training, he’s been like a Rolls Royce. He’s got a lot of respect from the lads.

“Maybe it is going to take a bit of courage for me to throw him in at one point. It’s going to be a big decision to make.

“But if I’m going to ask him to make that transition and he’s believing in me, enjoying it, then maybe I’ve got to believe in him.

“At some point, I’ve got to have the courage to throw him in as I think he’s good enough.”

Lilly captained Telford to victory in the Shropshire FA Huddersfield Cup final in July – beating Shawbury United 3-2 – and has appeared in a couple of National League North squads this term.

He had a difficult time with injures last campaign, having loan spells at Rushall Olympic and Romulus which did not go to plan.

He has also had temporary stints at Sutton Coldfield Town and Leamington.