Mat Bailey is handed AFC Telford chance

The 27-year-old has been rehabbing with the Bucks after suffering a cruciate ligament injury at his last club Nantwich and, if he can prove his fitness, a contract is in the offing.

The towering 6ft 7in former Crewe man has made a faster-than-expected recovery and will play some part tonight, along with winger Sean Cooke who has yet to kick a ball for the club.

Cooke, 20, fractured his leg at his former side AFC Flyde before making the switch this summer.

Manager Liam Watson said: "The likes of Sean Cooke and Mat Bailey, even if it's just for half an hour, will benefit from some game-time.

"You have got to give Mat a lot of credit, he's done a lot of work on his own. He's not been at the forefront of my thoughts, but he's an effective player. Mat will probably need a run of games before he's back to his best and 'Cookie' is going to be a good player for us, too."

Defender Dan Preston, midfielder Jake Bennett and second-choice goalkeeper Andy Pryce will also figure at the Airfield in Broughton tonight.

First-team regulars not considered fully match-sharp from lay-offs will also get further game-time, such as left-back Matthew McGinn and midfielder Charlie Barnett.

Watson said: "I am just trying to keep the players as sharp as possible. For instance, I said to Matthew McGinn on Saturday that he's not as sharp as he should be.

"Charlie Barnett is a bit behind the other players after coming out of full-time football into the part-time game, which has made a big difference. He's got to do more, in terms of sharpness.

"Some need this game more than others, some need to play their way into form. If opportunities like this come up and I feel we need it, that's good. Airbus have been in Europe and will be a test.

"I think a reserve team for us would be a waste of time, to be perfectly honest. With a small squad, it's not feasible for us. It's probably better for us to play friendlies as and when we need them."