Jermaine Johnson returns to training

Stafford Rangers have been boosted by the return of defender Jermaine Johnson to full training for the first time this season.

The versatile centre-half has yet to get his campaign up and running since returning to the club on a one-year contract in the summer, after a successful three-month loan spell from Championship club Derby County last season.

Johnson suffered a hamstring injury in his first game back, a pre-season friendly at Hednesford at the end of July, which has taken much longer than expected for him to recover from.

But the 19-year-old took part in last night's training session at Marston Road and, barring any reaction, looks well down the road to returning to action.

The outlook is not so good for strikers Nick Wellecomme and Ben Mills, who were still receiving treatment for ankle and hip injuries respectively, which stopped them training again.

However, should Johnson pull through Thursday's second session, the former Chelsea youngster would then come into contention for Saturday's home game against Stalybridge Celtic, although it may be too soon for a starting spot.

But assistant boss Steve Wynn is one of many at Marston Road pleased to see the teenager on the mend, especially after some defensive frailties were laid bare in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Droylsden.

He said: "Jermaine is experienced and a good talker, he wants to do well and is a strong character to have around the dressing room. He's got a good pedigree so knows a lot for this tender years, plus the time he spent at the club last season.

"We have lacked a bit of experience and 'JJ' coming back into contention can only be a good thing for the team."