AFC Telford agree deal with Godfrey Poku

Poku featured in last Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Wolves and Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough, already doing enough to earn a contract.

When he puts pen to paper, it will end Watson's year-long chase for the tough-tackling midfielder, reuniting him with the player he borrowed from Southport in 2012-13.

The 24-year-old has switched from Luton Town to Mansfield since then and spent the second of last season on loan at Alfreton, before becoming a free agent with his release from the Stags.

Watson said: "We have made Godfrey an offer and he's accepted it so, hopefully, it's just a case of him signing now.

"There's likely to be a bit of tooing and froing with his agent, but I don't envisage any problems."

Watson needs Rod McDonald back soon from an ankle injury, if the defender is to figure in their Skrill Conference Premier opener at Welling United a week on Saturday.

The Bucks boss is still undecided on his team for the curtain raiser and wants to see McDonald play some part in their last three friendlies.

They go to Nantwich Town tomorrow night and Stafford Rangers on Thursday, before hosting FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

Watson said: "I keep on changing my mind and there's things I still want to see, like Andy Owens playing up front with Sam Smith. I want to see more of Adam Farrell, too.

"It's about getting the balance right and, back four wise, I think we are looking strong and that's a bonus. Going forward, we are waiting for them to kick in.

"I don't think Rod is a million miles away but if he's not involved in any of the games, it's hard to think that he will play on the first day of the season. He would have to work on his fitness levels."

Watson watched his side surrender a lead through Sean Cooke's opener against Boro on Saturday, conceding Ryan Brobbell's equaliser and Scott McCarthy's match-winner.

The Telford chief said: "All of the friendlies will be out of the way after the weekend and then we have a week to get ready to go to Welling.

"The lads are looking extremely fit and it was a test against some good players on Saturday. The kid who scored the equaliser did well in League Two on loan at York City last season.

"Sometimes, fitness levels are higher because they are young and they train every day, so they kept going right until the end. Maybe that was the difference from the Wolves game.

"I still thought we looked a threat in the last 20 minutes, especially when the set plays started going into their box. That's something we haven't really used in pre-season.

"Over the next 12 days, we will be starting to do that more and more as we get ourselves ready for Welling."