AFC Telford hope to solve Alex Meechan illness mystery

AFC Telford United were today hoping to get to the bottom of the mystery back injury that has left striker Alex Meechan hospitalised.

The experienced former Forest Green hitman, 30, has scored three goals in the Bucks' unbeaten start to the Blue Square Bet North campaign.

But he missed Saturday's 1-0 win at Stalybridge Celtic and was kept in hospital last night on morphine to control the pain.

"Alex is struggling," Sinton confirmed.

"He went up to hospital yesterday and they kept him in with a view to getting a scan on his lower back today.

"He's still in agony - he was put on morphine for the pain.

"Until we get the extent of the damage we won't know how long he'll be out but it's not looking good at the moment.

"It's a strange one but one that's causing a lot of concern - both for Alex and for us."

Meanwhile, Sinton has arranged a squad game this evening against an under-21s team from West Brom-wich Albion (7.45pm).

The Telford chief will give a run-out to centre-back Liam Murray, who was suspended for the Stalybridge win and so has not played a game in three weeks.

Trialist winger Casimir Monssessie could also play some part in the game, though he is likely to start on the bench.

Monssessie, from the Ivory Coast, has previously played in the Belgian second division and featured in Telford's 8-1 win over Rocester in a similar squad game last month.

"It's better opposition than we normally get for these types of games - West Brom's lads will be fit, well-organised and able to play, hence where they are," added Sinton.

"It will be a good test for us but it has the same purpose as when we played Burton, Chasetown and Rocester in similar games."

Entry this evening is £2.50 for adults and £1 for concessions.

By CHRIS HUDSON