Telford keen on long term deal for Royle

The 21-year-old ball-winning midfielder arrived on a three-month loan from Southport and made an impressive debut in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Kidderminster Harriers.

Royle added some steel in the middle of the park in the continued absence of the injured Jack Rea.

And with Rea also set to miss today's trip to Gainsborough Trinity with the ankle injury he aggravated in training a week last Thursday, Telford need the gritty influence of Royle, who won a series of headers and tackles against Harriers.

Asked if Royle could have a longer term impact, assistant boss Larry Chambers said: "I'd like to think so.

"He's here initially for three months; I don't know what Jon's thoughts are but he's here to play football and he knows we want him.

"He made it quite clear he wanted to come but I don't know what Southport's view will be in three months' time.

"We're hoping he'll enjoy it, he'll play plenty of football and we'll take it from there."

Meanwhile, manager Rob Smith has revealed his delight at Sean Williams turning down an approach from The New Saints.

Williams was the subject of an offer from the Welsh Premier League champions last week after they served a seven-day approach for the former Hednesford midfielder.

But despite the lure of full-time football and playing closer to his Liverpool home in Oswestry, the 24-year-old, who is head coach at Jamie Carragher's Soccer School, was happy to continue with the Bucks.

"They spoke to him and I know he had a very good offer from them, which was a worry," said Smith.

"But he turned them down and he's enjoying his football and I think he's been excellent, which is pleasing."

Elsewhere, Smith insists Paul McCone won't be rushed back in action.

The Bucks boss says the former Hednesford and Stourbridge centre is likely to be loaned out to play at a lower level to gain match fitness before he plays again for Telford after almost a year out with a serious knee injury.

"We've always said it will be October, Paul McCone said it will be October and he won't be rushed," said Smith.

"I asked him again last Saturday and he said it will be another month before he's playing football.

"This is the last chance saloon for Paul because if we rush him and he breaks down, it will be horrendous."