Teenager learning from veteran Dinning

Former Wolves, Stoke, Wigan and Walsall midfielder Dinning made his debut alongside the 19-year-old in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Blyth Spartans in the Blue Square North.

Drafted in to Marston Road after leaving local rivals Hednesford, the now 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played for 11 different clubs in the Football League over a 15-year career.

Thorley can even recall looking on from the Britannia Stadium stands as a 12-year-old when Dinning was playing on loan from Wigan for Stoke, now some seven years later the two are playing in tandem.

And the youngster is relishing the experience.

He said: "I enjoy playing with Tony, he has got that much know-how that it can only help me with my development. His style of play suits me as a partnership, he can hold the ball up and give me the license to push on a bit more.

"It's strange, I remember watching Tony play when I was a lad at the Britannia when he was on loan at Stoke. It was a few years ago now, and I never thought I would end up playing alongside him!

"He's a player who has been at the top levels and that can only good for us."

Rangers also handed a debut to free agent Curtley Williams on Saturday, a 19-year-old former Ipswich youngster brought in with separate one-game absences for Bobby Wilson and Ashley Wooliscroft in mind over the next two games.

It was a face familiar to Thorley.

He said: "Curtley I know anyway, because he was with me at the Glenn Hoddle academy before I came to Rangers. He is a good player and is a good addition to the squad."

Rangers also hope to welcome back midfielder Jake Moult for Saturday's home game against Droylsden, who sat out the Blyth game with a foot injury.

Thorley has tipped his team-mate to win his fitness race.

He added: "Jake only just failed a fitness test on Saturday, but I reckon he will be back again on Saturday. Don't quote me on that for sure, but that is what I hope."