AFC Telford handling Dave Hibbert with care

Hibbert, signed in the summer by Steve Kittrick, endured a frustrating start to life with the Bucks, as a knee injury kept him out for several weeks.

But, after returning to action earlier this month, the 29-year-old has scored two in the last two games.

Bucks manager Rob Smith, who replaced the sacked Kittrick at the end of August, views Hibbert as key if his team, who remain bottom of National League North, are to escape trouble.

And that is why he's prepared to wrap the former Shrewsbury and Peterborough forward in cotton wool if necessary.

Smith said: "Hibbo is a key player for us and the main aim is to keep him fit. He's an experienced player and he doesn't let anything get him down.

"He's been working so hard since being at the club and you know when you work that hard that the goals will come.

"Dave is a huge player for us. His all-round game has been great and for us it is about managing him and keeping him fit because he's so important to us."

The Bucks boss has also issued words of encouragement to Hibbert's young strike partner, Connor McCarthy, who has netted only once since joining on a three-month loan deal from Southport last month.

Smith has, nevertheless, been impressed with the 20-year-old, who he reckons needs to remain patient in order for the goals to come.

He said: "Connor has been absolutely fantastic. He's a great kid, his work rate is tremendous. All that's missing from his game, at the moment, is goals.

"He's snatching at things that come his way, which is a sign that he's frustrated. But, when you work as hard as he does, the goals will come along."

Telford aim to extend their two-game unbeaten run when they host Alfreton Town on Saturday.