MARK Collier has not ruled out making further additions to his Chippenham Town squad as he prepares to welcome one of his key men back to the fold.

The Hardenhuish Park boss is intending to use tonight’s Wiltshire Senior Cup first round tie at Wiltshire League side Shrewton United as an opportunity to mix and match his squad for bigger battles ahead.

Veteran striker Andy Sandell is being considered for a 45-minute run-out against the cup minnows as Collier looked to reintegrate the former Football League frontman into his squad after injury.

But the manager will also not be afraid to go on the hunt for further new recruits should he see the need, after bringing in Scott Twine and Tommy Ouldridge on loan from Swindon Town in recent weeks, as well as former Fulham midfielder Josh Smile.

“We are looking but we’ve got to get the right type of player and the right person,’’ said Collier.

“If you know that someone is becoming available, it is right for us to have a look at them.’’ Sandell’s recovery will be a timely boost to the Bluebirds’, whose maiden National League South campaign has stuttered a little in the last month after a bright opening.

After two defeats in the opening seven games, Town have lost five of their last eight .

While that is little cause for panic as Collier’s Southern League Premier champions take baby steps at the higher level, the manager is welcome to have the experience of Sandell available to his side again.

“Sandell is an option for 45 minutes,’’ added Collier, ahead of tonight's cup match.

“We are looking to change it up a bit and there are players around the squad who we could give a game to.

“I’ve gone on record before saying that, as a manager, you would be happy to have someone like Andy back in your squad at any time.

“We’re glad to have him back and we will monitor him and the injury to see how it goes.’’

Another player earning his manager’s praise is goalkeeper Jared Thompson, who delivered a man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s goalless draw against Wealdstone, as the Bluebirds held on with 10 men after James Guthrie’s sending-off.

The 18-year-old Swindon-born stopper, who has been capped by England at U16, U17 and U18 level, signed professional forms with Premier League Chelsea in February last year, but arrived at Hardenhuish Park on a season-long loan before the start of the season.

“Jared made some very good saves," said Collier of the young stopper.

“Our back five were outstanding (against Wealdstone) and Jared has been a big part of that.

“He comes for his crosses and catches well.

“He’s been a very calming influence on our back four.’’