Karl Espley takes over Stafford Rangers captaincy

Stafford Rangers defender Karl Espley will replace Paul Donnelly as captain while the regular skipper is on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Donnelly could be out for a month and will have to hand the armband over to defensive cohort Espley for Saturday's FA Trophy tie at Newcastle Town.

With Ryan Dicker also sidelined with a broken hand, Espley has got the nod from manager Greg Clowes to lead the side against his former club.

The Rangers boss still has selection headaches ahead of the weekend, but has been boosted by Jon Sheldon and Rob Stevenson coming through a training session this week.

If Sheldon is passed to fit to start on the left wing, it could free up Dan Skelton to play in a midfield role, where Clowes are missing the injured Michael Morton and the suspended Glynn Blackhurst.