Jack Deaman is on standby to come in for Paul McCone
Jack Deaman has been backed to fill the 'massive' gap if Paul McCone is ruled out of the next leg of AFC Telford's survival bid.
The Wolves academy graduate looks like being ruled out for several weeks with suspected knee ligament damage after being forced off in Tuesday's 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester.
Deaman replaced McCone in the heart of the defence for the final 25 minutes at Broadhurst Park alongside man of the match Curtis Tilt.
And with Graham Hutchison (hamstring) set to continue his absence, on-loan Cheltenham stopper Deaman is primed to fill McCone's boots for tomorrow's trip to rock-bottom Corby.
"It looks like Paul's going to be out and, if so, it will be a massive blow because he's everything to us – a skipper and a leader," said manager Rob Smith.
"But if he's out, Jack will come in and he has to do a job. They're big boots to fill but he came in and looked quite strong, so if you get your chance you've got to take it."
Meanwhile, Smith believes Telford can start enjoying their football now they are out of the drop zone.
Tuesday's win ended three months at the National North basement as they prepare to face the side propping up the table.
