Michael Morton injured for Rangers

Stafford Rangers midfielder Michael Morton could see his pre-season decimated after picking up a hamstring injury on his return to training.

The Rangers squad reported back last Thursday night and Morton pulled up in the first session, which is likely to rule him out for weeks.

The 27-year-old won't know the extent of the damage until he sees a specialist next week but boss Greg Clowes is braced for bad news.

He said: "Michael pulled up with a nasty hamstring injury in training and he's going to see a specialist next week.

"He's going to miss a good chunk of pre-season and, if it's as bad as it looks, he could miss most of it.

"It's even possible he could miss the start of the season."

Morton had come back for the new campaign in shape after keeping up with his fitness during the close season.

It's still expected that his services - despite being injured - will be retained for the new season on non-contract forms.

Rangers will be able to register their players with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League from the start of next week.

Clowes said: "When we have got a 100 per cent fit Michael Morton, I am sure he could do a good job for Stafford Rangers.

"Michael wants to be here next season, there's no doubt about that, and he's shown me a desire.

"I feel sorry for him, he came back looking good and had lost some weight over the summer.

"He was quite upset when it happened."