Craig McAughtrie's Rangers run-out

Stafford Rangers manager Matt Elliott is considering giving captain Craig McAughtrie a run-out in a fringe side playing at Bromsgrove Sporting.

The skipper has missed the last seven Blue Square North games with a hip injury, but Elliott is keen for him to play some part in tonight's second leg of the Central Conference Cup quarter-final.

However, the Rangers boss may decide not risk to risk the central defender with Saturday's potentially-pivotal visit of Droylsden in mind.

Although he is short of games, McAughtrie's injury has already recurred once and a low-risk game may not be considered the best stage for his return.

But Elliott is also conscious of the need to get his captain match-fit as soon as possible.

He said: "Craig has been doing his fair share of work, fitness wise, but there's nothing like being involved in games.

"It's quite a lengthy lay-off he has had but it might benefit him in some terms. It's been a long, hard season and he's a big lad who is having to haul himself around week in, week out.

"But it's not a fortnight he has been out, it's been a number of weeks and it's obviously going to have an effect on his match fitness."

The captain's armband in McAughtrie's absence has gone to Jermaine Johnson, who last month turned down a move to local rivals AFC Telford to stay and help Rangers fight the drop.

However, Johnson and fellow centre-back Mark Dudley endured torrid afternoons in last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Workington, which left the club back in the bottom two and a point from safety.

But, on the whole, Elliott has been pleased with the form of his defensive duo.

He said: "We need that type of spirit, commitment and endeavor to get out of the situation we are in.

"Both 'JJ' and Mark Dudley have done ever so well, generally, and have forged a pretty good partnership.

"They have looked good together, so I have got a bit of a dilemma there."

Rangers go into tonight's game at the Victoria Ground 2-1 down from the first leg last Wednesday night.