POOLE Town boss Tom Killick has revealed that injury-plagued defender Will Spetch is close to a first-team comeback.

The Swanage-reared youngster resumed full training on Tuesday as he began in earnest his bid to return from a long-standing knee problem.

A highly-rated prospect, Spetch trialled with Cherries and several other Football League clubs prior to an injury-hit, seven-month spell with Conference South Sutton United.

Following the termination of his contract with the Us, the defender returned to Tatnam in October but was substituted due to knee trouble on his second debut, a 2-1 FA Trophy victory over Biggleswade Town on November 15.

Spetch has not turned out for the first team since but now Killick has admitted the left-footer is on the brink of a return to senior football.

The boss told the Daily Echo: “If everything goes to plan, I’m hoping he will be in a position to play a match next midweek.

“I’m not saying that will be a first-team game but he might be able to play with the under-21s, subject to him having no issues with his rehabilitation between now and then.

“He’s not going to be ready to play a part for the first team on Saturday or Tuesday but we could arrange an under-21 game next midweek and I would hope he would feature in something of that nature.”

Meanwhile, the boss has revealed he would be open to the prospect of Cherries youngster Joe Quigley remaining at Tatnam beyond his initial one-month loan.

The towering frontman has netted twice in four appearances for Dolphins since he joined on January 6 and scored his first Southern League goal in the 3-1 win over Chippenham Town on Tuesday.

Killick said: “Joe has done really well for us and his goal against Chippenham will do wonders for his confidence.

“I don’t know what Bournemouth’s plans are for him but he has been very bright and has done us a lot of good since we got him.

“If it suited Bournemouth and Joe for him to stay, then I would certainly look at it.”

Killick is hopeful that frontman Richard Gillespie will return for Saturday’s trip to Slough Town (3pm).

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Tallack, Martin, Maloney, Emmerson, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Gillespie, Quigley, Brooks, Gilkes, Roberts, Lindsay, Davis, Thomas.

  • In the Sydenhams Wessex Premier, Bournemouth Poppies visit basement club Totton & Eling, while Christchurch host Whitchurch and Verwood travel to Folland Sports.