Shane Sutton nears AFC Telford return

Club captain Shane Sutton is edging nearer an AFC Telford return after stepping up his comeback from a knee injury.

Ever-present Sutton pulled up during in the warm-up ahead of the FA Cup success over FC United of Manchester a fortnight ago and missed the tie, as well as league games against North Ferriby and Gainsborough.

The 28-year-old will not be fit for Saturday's National League North visit of struggling Southport, but is set to return to training next week and Edwards hopes to have him fit and ready for the FA Cup first round clash at Hereford.

A return would prove timely, with Ross White's red card at Gainsborough on Tuesday meaning he will begin a three-game suspension at Hereford.

"Shane should be back training next week, we are hopeful," said Edwards.

"He won't be available this weekend but I don't have too much worry about him not making the Hereford game."

The ex-Newtown man could ease Edwards' FA Cup first round headaches with other defensive options Ryan Wilson cup tied and White suspended for next Saturday.

With captain Sutton absent, John Marsden was handed the armband last Saturday at North Ferriby but limped off in the late stages. A scan has revealed no break to his ankle but there is ligament damage.

White, 21, was made captain in a young Bucks backline at Gainsborough but was shown a straight red card 15 minutes from time.

"Anyone could do without it," added Edwards. "When you've got injuries, suspensions and cup ties – we knew about Ryan Wilson when he signed – but the last thing you want is red cards.

"Top teams want their best players around and the same goes for us.

"We've not got a squad of 30 to use and no development squad. We've got the youth team doing well but they need a little bit more time. It's a challenge and a test."

He added: "We'll have a look (at bringing someone in). As always it's budget-led but we'll have a look and see how things work."

Edwards said of Marsden: "It's going to be a number of weeks, it's difficult to say because it's very swollen and bruised at the moment.

"He's done really well for us. He's a leader and has a goal threat. He works really hard for the team.

"Of course it's a loss for us."