Former Cardiff City player Curtis McDonald returns to playing action for Merthyr Town this evening (Tuesday).
McDonald has been back in training from a groin strain and is given his first run-out by Martyrs manager Gavin Williams in their friendly against Aberfan FC at the LoadLok Community Stadium (7.30pm).
Williams may even include himself in the squad for a match arranged to help improve match fitness among his players who need match minutes and give development squad players experience.
“Curtis has been training and needs two or three games now,” says Williams. “We will arrange fixtures, starting with the fixture against Aberfan.
“He probably needs to play in three friendlies before he is ready for Southern League action.”
McDonald for example, hasn’t played for five months and this evening’s friendly is an ideal start for the central defender to get some much needed match practice.
Player-manager Williams, a former Championship midfield player and still a class act on the ball, has not ruled out returning to the Merthyr team at some stage this season.
“We’ll see what happens,” he says. “I’m trying to train and keep fit, but the team are doing well right now. If I’m needed I may play, but I am a little way off match fitness right now.”
Striker Ryan Prosser is not yet ready for a return to training. He is still suffering from a long-term back problem.
“Ryan has seen a specialist and we’ll know more soon,” says Williams.
Merthyr are unbeaten after five Southern League Premier Division fixtures, while they defeated Willand Rovers 6-1 in the FA Cup last weekend.
Goals ace Ian Traylor is available again this Saturday when Bishops Stortford visit the Loadlok Community Stadium in Merthyr Tydfil (3pm).
The Martyrs play three of their next four league matches at home, while they travel to Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday, September 16.
Their next four Southern League matches are:
September
Saturday 9 v Bishops Stortford (home, 3pm)
Tuesday 12 v Basingstoke Town (away, 7.45pm)
Saturday 23 v Royston Town (home, 3pm)
Tuesday 26 v Tiverton Town (home, 3pm)