AFC Telford chief Gavin Cowan will wait to decide on Ryan Sears extension

Nineteen-year-old Sears has impressed at right-back over the past few weeks, but Cowan believes there is still work for him to do to continue his New Bucks Head spell.

His month-long loan from Salop expires following the game against Ashton United a week on Saturday.

“I need to speak to John Askey about that, but we’ve got him for a couple more games yet,” said Cowan on Sears, who was sent off after two bookable offences in the 3-2 win at Spennymoor Town on Saturday.

“He misses the next one which is unfortunate and we’ve got Dom Smith back from suspension so it’s up to Ryan to carry on doing well.

“He needs to impress in the last couple of games of his loan in order for us to go out and extend it.

“That being said, he has fitted into the squad very well, he’s a good lad, and he’s performed well in the games for us so far. It’s about continuing that.”

Cowan felt Sears’ dismissal at Brewery Field was ‘particularly harsh’.

Former defender Cowan is sure Sears will be stronger for the experience, though.

“I felt it was particularly harsh but here’s with us to develop, and to improve,” he added.

“I didn’t think it was a sending off but he’ll learn from that – how to run down the clock, away from home, and not put yourself at risk.

“He’s a level-headed lad so he’ll be better for it. We’re focusing on the positives.”

It is understood Town are monitoring Sears’ progress closely as, at the moment, James Bolton is their only natural right-back.

It is believed they would prefer to have to him stay with the Bucks and be playing regularly as opposed to being a bit-part player under Askey.

Sears spent last season at Welsh Premier side Newtown and ended up winning their players’ player of the year award.

He is contracted at Montgomery Waters Meadow until next summer.