AFC Telford midfielder Jack Rea seeing a specialist

The 25-year-old former skipper has made just three appearances for the Bucks this season.

His last was the 1-0 win at Darlington on August 19, where he limped off with the injury.

Rea has been sat in the stand on matchdays since and working closely with Telford physio Jake Roe to try to solve the problem.

But what was first thought to be a minor knock has not improved and now the longest-serving current Bucks player, who joined in January 2015, is seeking an extra professional opinion.

Boss Rob Edwards said: “He is going to have to see a specialist to find out more about it.

“There is an issue there with the joint.

“We have had a scan on his ankle and now he will go and see a specialist as he needs a bit more of an expert opinion on it.”

Edwards hailed Rea has a ‘leader and thinker’ prior to his injury, and also said he had been a ‘big help’ as the Telford chief settled in the role.

Physio Roe is unable to out a time frame on his return at the moment, and insists patience is the key.

“It has just kind of dragged on,” he said.

“When it comes to ankles, there is often some sort of damage to the ligament but when it doesn’t settle down it can be difficult.

“The scan has been done, the damage is there and has been identified and now hopefully he can improve over the next few weeks.

“It’s like all injuries – you want to rest it and then get the loads to build the tissue back up, build the strength.”

He added: “We have to just be patient with it and not rush anything. Jack has been coming to training and is always there on a matchday as well.

“He’s not just sitting around, he is working on it every time he is here with us.”

Meanwhile, the Bucks under-18s have been drawn away at Halesowen Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup.

The tie will take place at The Grove the week commencing on October 2.