Paul McCone on firm foundation for AFC Telford

Resolute defender Paul McCone is used to being a brick in the defensive wall – but has hit a few of his own in the quest for fitness.

The popular 25-year-old is on the verge of a full return to the game at Telford after overcoming injury setbacks which would have broken lesser men. An absence of eight months with an ankle injury was promptly followed by 10 months on the sidelines with a damaged knee.

But those long, lonely days of recuperation in the gym – McCone laid out his own money for a knee op – appear to be behind him.

He came off the bench for the Bucks against Bradford Park Avenue – and tomorrow could be in line for a start at home to FC United of Manchester.

"I have been doing a lot of work while I have been away and I am feeling good now," he said.

"The first session back was a bit gruelling, in fairness, as there was a lot of running involved. My legs did feel pretty heavy the following day.

"Over the past 18 months or two years, I have only played a handful of games. I came back from my ankle injury, played a few games for Telford and then picked up the knee injury.

"I have done it twice now and as I was getting to close to playing, I seemed to hit a brick wall.

"I have hit it a few times along the way and when you're in the gym all the time, by yourself, working away to get back to fitness, it can get you down. About two months ago, I thought I was further ahead than I was so I had to take a step back. I could not rush it."

Boss Rob Smith is full of praise for McCone and the player is certainly in this thoughts for tomorrow.

"It has been a long, hard road for Paul," he said. "Luca Havern is suspended now (accumulation of yellows) so the chances are he might be in line to start, depending on how he feels.

"People have got to realise the work he has put in, without being paid by the club for a year.

"He is a non-contract player and he has done it all himself, paid for his own operation, so it was a nice moment for him (to come on as a substitute)."

McCone is eager to return to the fray and help his side in their National League North struggle.

"In terms of playing, that's up to the gaffer. I know myself I am ready," he said.

And the Bucks? "It's the same old scenario," he added.

"People can write you off, saying you have lost a few and drew a few but with a couple of wins everything can change."

And not just for the side.