Ricardo Dinanga is crucial to AFC Telford United - Wilkin

The former Cork and Coventry City winger scored a brace in last weekend’s 4-1 win against Bishop’s Stortford to take his goal tally in the Southern Central Premier to five, just two short of the total he managed last season.

And ahead of two top-of-the-table clashes against Stamford and Kettering Town this week, Wilkin believes the 21-year-old Irishman is crucial to Telford’s chances of achieving promotion.

“Ricardo’s going great guns at the moment and really forcing his game,” the Bucks boss said. “We now notice when Ricardo doesn’t have a good game for us, or when he’s not in the team, and fair play to him because he’s kept going at those good levels.”

Wilkin added: “He’s getting to that age where, with the experience he’s built up, he’s growing and understanding his game a lot more now.

“Hopefully he can continue that until the end of the season because if he can, he will keep us right in the mixer.

“Look he’s scoring some terrific goals for us and has become a vital cog in what we’re trying to do.”