Decision time for AFC Telford on Jack Rea

Tough-tackling midfielder Rea rejoined the squad for a light workout on Tuesday night.

It comes after being out with a badly bruised knee sustained in the Market Drayton friendly 12 days ago.

Assistant boss Larry Chambers wants to see how the former Guiseley man comes through this evening's sessions.

Plans continue for Saturday's curtain-raiser at home to National League North title favourites AFC Fylde.

Chambers said: "Jack did a light session on Tuesday and did OK and came through it, but we'll know more tonight when he does some more.

"He felt fine on Tuesday and I don't know whether he could have done more but he's happier with it. I'll speak to him to see if there's any reaction to it.

"We had more than one opinion on the injury and Jack himself is a lot happier with it now."

As regards signing a replacement, Chambers said: "No, there won't be anyone for the weekend.

"It's too short notice really to get the right quality in."

But the Bucks No 2 admitted they will miss Rea's influence if he is ruled out, adding: "He was one of our better performers last season.

"It was no coincidence that Rob (Smith, manager) and myself wanted to keep him when we didn't keep too many of last season's squad."

Meanwhile, young striker Ben Osei will miss the start of the season with ankle ligament damage.

Osei was injured in the friendly against AFC Bridgnorth and faces being out for another 10 to 14 days.

James Hurst has undergone a successful operation on his groin and is expected to return to contention in three to four weeks.

Chambers said: "James has had his op and it's now all about his rehab which will be done with our physios. It all went well – the surgeon was happy with it.

"James was on good form on Tuesday night, so it's a case of going through the process now of him getting back to full fitness."