Will Richards has AFC Telford future - Andy Sinton

Will Richards is a former youth player at Shrewsbury

Boss Andy Sinton has told Will Richards he still has a future at AFC Telford, despite being loaned out for a month.

Richards, 18, has joined Evostik First Division South side Market Drayton.

"He's a talented young midfielder who is very much in my plans long term, but like others he has to be patient," Sinton told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"But because the first team has started so well there's been little reason to change it, so I need Will to go and get five or six games under his belt."

Richards was released by Shrewsbury Town in the summer after being a regular in the reserves.

He made his competitive debut last season in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against Accrington Stanley.

"I don't give players a game for sentimental reasons," Sinton added. "It's a squad game, and those not in the starting line-up need to work hard both at the club and away from the club, to make sure they can take their chance when it comes."

Meanwhile Greg Mills should be fit for Saturday's game with Worcester, but top scorer Andy Brown remains a slight doubt with an ankle problem.