AFC Telford closing in on surprise midfield swoop

Bucks boss Rob Smith is hopeful that the move, which will see the high-profile schemer arrive on a six-week deal, will help kick-start his side's season.

Telford host high-flying Darlington 1883 at the New Bucks Head tomorrow and Smith is excited at the prospect of the latest arrival making a difference for the Bucks.

Smith was pleased that the Bucks had managed to take advantage of the player's personal situation and lodge a loan deal to secure his services.

The addition, a product of a Premier League academy, arrives from the National League as the Bucks search for more fire power, with Telford scorers of the joint-fewest National League North goals this term.

Telford are still without a competitive goal from any of their midfielders this season.

"We should have a new player in for Saturday, as long as it all goes through," said Smith.

"I think it'll go through and he'll be a really exciting player for the supporters, there's no doubt about that.

"He's a player who is obviously too good for our level.

"But, due to personal circumstances, the club wanted him to have a month's football away from where he is and closer to his home.

"We stole a march on a few other clubs by getting in there quickly and agreeing a deal that we can afford – which isn't a lot.

"We've had a lot of similar midfielders, no disrespect, but we haven't scored a goal from midfield and that says it all. He's that attacking midfielder who scores goals and hopefully he'll create and score."

Telford were put through their paces at a high-tempo training session at Lilleshall last night.

Smith is hopeful that forward Connor McCarthy will win his fitness battle as second-placed Darlington visit the Bucks tomorrow.

Full-back Dwayne Samuels, back in the side following the suspension of transfer-listed James Hurst, was also expected to make the fixture after missing training with a dead leg.

Defender Ben Bailey misses out through suspension, with Smith contemplating on whether to stick with the current 3-5-2 set-up revert to a four-man defence.

Fellow centre-half Dan Preston will return to the Bucks after the weekend as his 28-day loan with Sutton Coldfield Town comes to an end.