Dan Skelton could fill in for Rangers

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes has admitted Dan Skelton may have solved his problem at left-back for the start of the Evo-Stik Premier League season.

Clowes signed Jon Sheldon to fill the berth this summer but the 23-year-old is suspended for the first three games of the new campaign, for misdemeanors while at Newcastle Town last season.

The Rangers boss had considered bringing in a left-back on loan for the first month of the season but tried out Skelton, predominantly a midfielder, in Monday's friendly with AFC Telford.

Skelton linked up well with Luke Chapman, another considered as a stop-gap for the role, down the left hand side and played his part in a creditable 1-1 draw.

The two will take up the same spots in Saturday's last pre-season game at home to Woodley Sports, where Clowes will run the rule over them again.

And, if the manager is impressed, Skelton could get the nod to start at left-back in the big season opener, against FC United of Manchester at Marston Road on Saturday week.

Clowes said: "I think Skelton has done more than enough to have that left-back slot, at the minute, he did very well on Monday night.

"Really, he is a central midfielder who can score goals but he's got a lovely left foot and is a fit and strong boy as well.

"I think he's possibly a better left-back than Chapman, simply because he's a better defender, but Chapman gives you something else.

"Those two blended well down the left-hand side on Monday night and are coming good at the right time."