AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan keen to try Zak Lilly as a centre-half

Twenty-year-old Lilly is back in the Bucks fold after a difficult time with injuries last season.

The former England youth star impressed out wide towards the end of the 2016/17 season but Cowan, who was a defender during his playing days, said: “I’ve always said that I thought Zak is a centre-half.

“I don’t even know if he agrees at the moment but it’s something different for him.

“At the moment, he’s not going to get anywhere near the team in terms of playing up front.

“It’s another avenue for him and I think he’s got all the attributes to play there. I’ll just try it out.”

Lilly had loan spells at Rushall Olympic and Romulus last term.

He has also had temporary stints at Sutton Coldfield Town and Leamington.

The ex-Thomas Telford student had his first run-out in defence, alongside youth team standout Harry Walker, as he came on for the final 15 minutes of the 3-0 loss to Championship outfit Aston Villa on Saturday.

“As I say, it’s an experiment and we can afford to do it in pre-season,” added Cowan.

“It’s good for his conditioning as well.”