Darryl Knights praised after his first AFC Telford strike

Knights volleyed home as the Bucks beat Brackley Town 2-1 at home on Tuesday night.

And Cowan hopes it is the first goal of many for the man he believes is 'arguably the best No.10' in National League North.

"We speak a lot of about courage, the word 'courage' is massive in our changing room," said the Telford chief.

"We don't like the word 'confidence' because it's in the word, it's a con.

"We talk about being courageous, getting in the right places and continuing to get in there even if you're missing or the ball is not coming.

"I spoke to Darryl a lot about that. I said to him 'I know it's not happened yet, but it will, trust me'.

"I said that to Daniel Udoh as well and, coincidently, they both got their goals on Tuesday night.

"It's just that bit of belief, having that courage, so I'm really pleased."

Former Ipswich Town man Knights was the first new arrival of the summer.

He came in from Tamworth, where he scored 10 goals in 30 appearances, and won the division with Solihull Moors – while Cowan was there as a player-coach – in 2016.

He has also had spells at Newport County, Yeovil Town and Kidderminster Harriers.

The 30-year-old has played both at the head of a midfield diamond and out on the left-hand side for the Bucks so far.

Cowan also praised Knights, who was set up by Adam Dawson for his first Telford goal, for his versatility and commitment to the cause.

"With our budget, we need versatility," added Cowan.

"We've got six players that can occupy the back four and we've nearly got two players for every position in the front six.

"Darryl needs to be versatile because we can't afford to have an out-and-out player in a certain position.

"We need people to play in various positions and he absolutely gives us that.

"You could just see his quality on Tuesday night. Him and Dawson, they're match-winners."