James Lawrie looks to join AFC Telford push

Forward James Lawrie is aiming to play a big part in AFC Telford United's push for promotion after shaking off a long-standing ankle injury.

The 20-year-old had featured regularly in the early weeks of the New Year but was sidelined after picking up a knock while on duty for Northern Ireland's under-21s against Wales.

But he has now recovered from that setback and was hoping to feature at some stage in today's short Blue Square Bet North trip to rivals Worcester City.

"Hopefully I can force my way back into the team, if I train well hopefully I'll be back in the side soon," said Lawrie, who has scored four times in 21 outings so far this season all but nine coming off the bench.

"I had just got into the side and I was playing really well. I picked up a little knock to my ankle which we thought would be fine but I just kept getting little niggles which made my recovery longer than expected."

Since Lawrie's injury the Bucks had gone six-games unbeaten ahead of this afternoon's clash at St George's Lane and have made up serious ground on leaders Nuneaton and Alfreton.

Lawrie is delighted that results are going well for the Bucks' but admits it's hard to hide his disappointment at not playing.

He said: "I am obviously frustrated to not be playing and having to wait my turn but the boys are playing well and I just have to force my way back in and take my opportunities."

With regards to his own future, the former Port Vale forward hopes he can do enough to warrant a contract extension on the one-year deal he penned in the summer but admits there has been no talks as of yet.

He said: "Obviously I want to stay at Telford but I have to wait till the end of season and see what the situation is with the club."