Dave Hibbert fighting fit for AFC Telford

Smith has made 10 new signings this summer but he has revealed no one has impressed him more than the 30-year-old former Shrewsbury Town striker.

Hibbert, who spent three years out of the game from 2010-13 after being forced out of the pro game with a serious knee injury, is looking as good as the Bucks chief has seen him.

Smith said: "In terms of physical condition, I've been really impressed with Dave Hibbert. He's come back flying and he's in the best shape I've ever seen him in.

"'Hibbo has been the stand-out performer and you can tell he's really looked after himself. He's come back looking fantastic but then all of them have come back in decent shape."

Hibbert's injury history means he can't play every game and he was restricted to 31 league appearances last season.

But Smith is hoping the increased competition from fellow forwards Josh Wilson, Tom Peers and Danny Reynolds means he can be rested when the need arises.

The Bucks chief said: "When I think of the way we're looking to play, he's the focal point of the attack.

"He probably comes in for a bit of unjust criticism, at times, but he does so much for the team.

"In terms of flick-ons, holding the ball up and that physical presence that perhaps isn't appreciated as much as it is by his team-mates.

"He does a massively valuable job for us. He needs to get a run of playing games and building his fitness and, fingers crossed, he'll be a key player for us."

Smith added: "It's a situation we have to manage. The problem is he wants to play every game and he can't always do that.

"Hopefully this season we've got the squad where we can rest him if that's what's needed.

"I remember when we played Brackley last season and he should never have played but we had no one else.

"Looking at the first week of the season, the Tamworth game is an initial worry because he can't play on artificial pitches."

Telford will have an overnight stay in Colwyn Bay after their first friendly this afternoon and Smith insists preparations are being taken seriously.

He said: "It's not anything but work to us from 1pm to 5pm today - we expect to do things properly. We want to hit the ground running in terms of gelling a team together.

"But, at the same time, we don't expect to see too much in the first game because the players haven't seen a ball yet.

"The players are getting to know each other's games and it's a case of getting out there on the pitch to do that."