ALEX Rodman is set to hand Tamworth manager Gary Mills a boost by making himself available for Saturday's FA Trophy quarter final at Salisbury, writes Matt Panter.

Rodman returned to training on Thursday and assistant manager Darron Gee said: "He looked sharp during the whole session and we are hoping the break he has had has done him good.

"Alex is a big player for us and if we have him available to us between now and the end of the season, there's no doubt he is a major asset."

The Lambs are without the cup-tied Gavin Hurren this weekend while Nick Wright (foot) is ruled out through injury.

Gee is relishing the clash with Salisbury – Tamworth's second against them in five days.

A much changed Lambs side were beaten 1-0 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium on Tuesday night but Gee says that has no bearing on this weekend.

"We rang the changes a bit, partly because we didn't want to show our hand too much for Saturday.

"A few of the lads needed a rest as well and others needed some games under their belt.

"We still put a strong side out and it was just disappointing that we conceded so early on. That's unlike us.

"We had a perfectly good goal disallowed and we pinned them into their own half after the break but couldn't get the goal.

"But Saturday is a different game entirely and there will be changes to both sides.

"Some of the lads have had a rest so should go down there refreshed and we are looking forward to getting stuck into Salisbury again.

"The fact we lost on Tuesday has given us even more impetus because we are determined to put that right.

"We are under no illusion that it is going to be a tough game and we will have to show our mettle.

"As long as we perform the way we have done for the majority of the season I'm confident we can get the right result."