AFC Telford content with attacking options

McCarthy enjoyed two hugely successful loan spells at the New Bucks Head last season after joining on a temporary basis from Southport.

Dubbed the 'non-league Wayne Rooney', the forward ended the campaign with eight goals and became a firm fans' favourite due to his high energy and committed performances.

Smith had hoped to bring him back to Shropshire once again but the 21-year-old has instead opted to try and prove himself in the National League.

The Telford boss will monitor the striker's situation closely but will not enter the market for another forward.

Smith said: "We were looking at trying to sign Connor but that's not going to happen now because he wants to try his luck at Southport again.

"We have not shut the door on it and if nothing works out for him after pre-season, I'm sure he'd be interested in coming back. But he's decided he wants to give it a go there.

"With Danny Reynolds, Josh Wilson, Zak Lilly and Dave Hibbert we won't be looking at bringing in any other forwards at this moment.

"We also have the option of playing Lee Fowler and James Hurst just off the striker but, if something comes up, we'll have a look at it."

Smith is instead working hard to bring in another centre-back with the Bucks light in the area following Curtis Tilt's decision to join Wrexham.

Telford currently have Ben Bailey, Dan Preston and Paul McCone who play at the heart of defence.

But Smith feels he needs one more to provide competition for places and cover.

He added: "That's what I'm looking for now – a centre-half and another wide player. But there's no real progress on the centre-half at all.

"I'm not too concerned though because I'd imagine it will be a case of waiting to see what happens when people's contracts are up at the end of June.

"I still think there are a lot of players who will become available."