AFC Telford's Sean Clancy gutted by injury lay-off

But the influential vice-captain is backing his team-mates, who were today hosting Braintree, to continue their recent revival in his absence.

Clancy was ruled out for around six weeks after suffering his painful injuries following a heavy fall towards the end of Telford's 2-1 win at home to Altrincham 10 days ago.

He may not return until the Boxing Day trip to Nuneaton at the earliest.

Clancy has already missed last weekend's trip to Barnet and Tuesday's FA Cup replay with Basingstoke, which saw the Bucks progress and book a trip to League One leaders Bristol City.

He is also expected to miss at least another six league games – against Braintree, Grimsby, Chester, Macclesfield, Welling and Eastleigh, and the Bucks' FA Cup second-round clash at Bristol on December 7.

Clancy said: "There are big games coming up and I am gutted to be missing them – the FA Cup one in particular.

"I am highly doubtful to play against Bristol City so I am devastated about that.

"And even the Grimsby game, I was looking forward to as one of my best mates Scott Brown plays there, and we had been talking about going up against each other.

"But the lads are doing great and I am confident in them.

"I will be cheering them on from the sidelines as much as possible.

"Hopefully they can continue this run.

Telford had lost just two of their last eight matches in all competitions going into today's match.

Clancy said: "I think as a team, especially in the last month or so, we have really seemed to start picking up the performances.

"Things are turning around now and are getting back on track.

"And the performances are turning into good results."

Clancy was in the crowd for Tuesday's first-round replay victory over Basingstoke.

And his dedication to the squad's Conference Premier cause earned praise from Bucks manager Liam Watson.

"Sean was told to stay away from here for a month but was here to watch," he said.

"He had his arm in a sling, and what he was doing here I haven't got a clue, but he wanted to be here to see the lads."