AFC Telford chief Gavin Cowan keen to see Steph Morley back in action

The experienced 31-year-old has made just two starts for the Bucks since joining from Tamworth in the summer.

Left-back Morley has a calf problem that has blighted the start of his career at the New Bucks Head and boss Cowan has told the former Leamington and Brackley man that he needs to get up to speed.

He played in the National North curtain-raiser against Southport and was absent until the victory over Chester on August 25, where he aggravated the injury.

Ross White has been playing in his place.

“With Steph it’s his calf,” said Cowan. “He should be back in seven to 10 days. “He had a scan and it’s only a grade one (strain) but he aggravated it.

“He needs to get his season going and I’ve been very frank with him. He knows my thoughts.

“He’s going to have to get back if he wants to be part of this successful team.

“He brings balance and is really good technically but he needs to work it out, get fit and in the team. He’s running now but we can’t be waiting too long.”

The Bucks are also awaiting scan results for on-loan Leicester City goalkeeper Max Bramley.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper picked up a knee injury in Saturday’s 3-0 reverse at Darlington, Telford’s first defeat of an impressive season. He came off at half-time and was replaced by former TNS man Andy Wycherley for his first outing in a Bucks shirt.

Cowan said: “He’s been with Leicester on Sunday and Monday and is getting a scan there. We’re hoping he’s OK.

“There’s a bit of swelling around the patella but we’re hoping it’s OK.”

On Wycherley, he added: “He’s a very good goalkeeper I have high hopes for. I’ve invested a lot of time in him and know how much he can achieve. His distribution is as good as any.”

Forward Amari Morgan-Smith felt a recurrence of a knee knock against Chester in the warm-up at Darlington, but Cowan is confident the experienced frontman will be OK.

All of Cowan’s squad returned to training last night while those available also had an active recovery session at the Nuffield Health Gym in Telford.

“It was not smiling faces and jolly after Saturday because they hadn’t earned it,” Cowan added.