Boston United 'confident' captain Luke Shiels will be fit for play-off semi-final

Captain Luke Shiels is expected to shrug off a groin strain in time for Boston United's play-off campaign.

The skipper was told to take it steady at the weekend as the Pilgrims took part in contact training, but manager Craig Elliott remains 'confident' the defender - who has made 39 appearances this season - will be available for selection.

He said: "He felt his groin a little bit but we didn't push it and he worked with Hayden (Clifton, sports therapist) on Saturday.

"We're fairly confident it's nothing serious. The feedback we had Saturday was it's nothing too serious.

"We have to manage it this week but there's no need to push it too much. But he will need to train next week to be in contention."

The Pilgrims squad may have a few aches and pains as the club begun stage two training, but the manager believes that's a good sign.

"It's going really well. Physically, you can see players are ready for the next level, playing game situations.

"We've had some good 11 versus 11 games as well. It's good to get that contact and a different style of running as well. It's been really positive and needed.

"The main thing is we've picked up a few more bumps and bruises and that comes with the contact, but they need that. You can see players get sharper as the week's gone on.

"They need to be waking up with a few kicks and bruises and feeling a few different muscles you don't use unless you're playing football.

"A few felt a bit leggy on Thursday, but they needed that to get their bodies to the next stage."

United will host the winners of Brackley Town and Gateshead at York Street on July 25 in the play-off semis.

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