Zak Lilly could blossom into top centre-half at AFC Telford

The 20-year-old has made the massive transition from up front to the heart of defence over pre-season.

Having featured against Championship side Aston Villa and League One outfit Shrewsbury Town, as well as captaining a youthful Bucks team to a Huddersfield Cup triumph over Shawbury United, Cowan believes the former Thomas Telford student– and ex-England youth star – is ready to make his mark in National League North.

“If they’re good enough they’re old enough,” he said. “Look at Zak, who’s came out of absolute obscurity.

“I never believed he was playing in the position he should be.”

"I think everybody laughed at me when, 18 months ago, I turned around and said I thought he was a centre-half. Now I think everyone is jumping on the bandwagon because they can see how well he’s performing.

“He’s got a long way to go – he needs to learn how to smell danger – but if we keep him in and around it I think we could have something.”

“That’s going to be down to him and how much he wants it. There’s a chance there, which there wouldn’t have been if he was a centre forward.”

Lilly is back in the Telford fold after a difficult time with injures last season – having loan spells at Rushall Olympic and Romulus which did not go to plan. He has also had temporary stints at Sutton Coldfield Town and Leamington.

The former England youth star impressed out wide towards the end of the 2016/17 season but Cowan was adamant about giving him an opportunity at the back.

Meanwhile, Cowan cannot wait to get the campaign started.

The campaign kicks off on The National North term gets under way on Saturday as Southport, managed by former Bucks gaffer Liam Watson, visit the New Bucks Head, kick-off 3pm.

Telford also have games against Kidderminster Harriers, Guiseley, Brackley Town, Spennymoor Town, Chester and Leamington in August.

“I think we’re ready and that’s where we wanted to be,” he added.

“We’re ready to go so the season can’t come quick enough for us.”