BARROW AFC head coach Stephen Clemence issued an injury update with some positive news ahead of today’s derby.

The Bluebirds have been without a number of key players in recent weeks.

And while there are still some big names among their walking wounded there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

It had been feared that forward Dom Telford would be joining the ranks of players on the treatment table when he left the field in midweek.

Telford came off before the end of the midweek Bristol Street Motors Trophy 3-0 defeat away to Fleetwood Town with a knock.

It was feared it may be a hamstring issue, but Clemence was happy to provide positive news.

He said: “I think Dom will be fine. I think it was just cramp on Tuesday night.

“He’s probably one of those players who needed the game. He needed a 90 minutes. Unfortunately, he didn’t complete the 90 but he got to about 85.

“He’s been in and done some light work on the grass, so he should be fine.”

There was also good news on some other players.

Clemence added: “Connor’s been on the grass doing his physical work to get his fitness back to the level he needs to be at.

“He’s not working at high speed yet, but he’s building up his base fitness.

“He’s maybe two to three weeks away from being back hopefully.

“Robbie Gotts has trained so I’m hoping he will be in contention for today.”

While he is still without a number of his players Clemence says he has faith in those at his disposal.

He said: “We’ve lost Chris Popov to international duty, so while there are some positive signs we still have a few missing.

“We are obviously still without Naz (Naill Canavan) and Paul Farman.

“Sam Barnes still isn’t anywhere near still, so we are short in a few areas, but we have still got enough to compete and that’s what we will be doing.”