Jack Rea: Joe Fitzpatrick fits in AFC Telford midfield well
Jack Rea would be glad to have Joe Fitzpatrick alongside him in midfield for AFC Telford United's Boxing Day clash with Alfreton Town.
Rea, who has made 15 appearances for the Bucks this season, is likely to be partnered by the 19-year-old in the middle of the park due to Jonathan Royle being out with a groin injury.
Fitzpatrick, who is yet to start for the Bucks after arriving from National League North rivals Worcester City, staked his claim with a ferocious 25-yard strike as Telford drew 1-1 at Halifax Town last weekend.
"Fitzy took his goal exceptionally well at Halifax, and things like that can give young players a real boost," said Rea.
"Even in training, he is looking sharp and he is very good technically.
"It's a good chance for him and the manager will be looking to get the best out of him, in terms of tracking back and his defensive work."
On Royle, Rea said: "Jon has come into his own recently.
"It's the little things he does which the lads appreciate and the manager appreciates.
"Being alongside him, you can see he has really improved so it is a shame he has got injured."
Rea believes this is a key fixture for Telford – they are only one place and one point above the Derbyshire outfit in the National League North – after going up against sides in the top half such as Harrogate Town in recent weeks, and also Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Trophy.
"When you play against teams like Kidderminster, Fylde earlier in the season and even Harrogate, they are set up much differently and play a different style to the rest of the teams in the division," said Rea.
"In most of the games, it comes down to who works the hardest and who has got that little bit of quality, and that will be the case against Alfreton as well.
"If we can match them for effort, then we should be okay. We need to make sure we work hard."
Telford won their last home game 2-0 against Darlington.
Their record at the New Bucks Head this term stands at four wins, two draws and four losses.
"I think if you actually just look at our home record, forgetting the away games and our record on the road, it's fairly positive," added Rea.
"There are positives to take into the game after the draw at Halifax.
"We will go into it confident and looking to get a good result."
