LIAM McDonald hailed the return of goal-scoring midfielder Ashley Sammons to Redditch United.

Sammons re-signed for the Valley Stadium outfit at the end of last week after he exited National North side Corby Town by mutual consent.

The midfielder's 18 goal haul for the Reds last season persuaded the Steelmen to make a move for Sammons in the summer.

But after a blistering start, he scored six goals and was the division's player of the month for August, a promotion at work meant he found the travelling difficult.

Sammons is set to make his debut in United's Southern League top five clash against at Chippenham Town on Saturday (3pm ko).

His return is a timely boost, after the Reds suffered a 1-0 loss at Evesham United in the FA Trophy, the same team who knocked them out of the FA Cup last season.

McDonald said: "Ashley is someone I have a very good relationship with and we're delighted to have him back.

"He didn't fail at Corby, he was their top scorer and player of the month for August but he's found the travelling harder than he first expected.

"He was one of the top players in the division above and he scores a lot of goals from midfield."

Redditch have struggled to replicate their good home form into knockout competitions after being dumped out of the FA Cup this year by AFC Hinckley.

But they are third in the Southern League Premier after last week's battling midweek win over Leamington.

Simeon Maye is also expected to have recovered from injury for Saturday's game.

McDonald added: "I was very disappointed with the forward players after the Evesham game, not the lads in defence.

"Our defenders had put everything on the line against Leamington but we didn't see that from the forward players on Saturday.

"We prepared them right but you can't control they when they cross the white line.

"But I was disappointed with the attitude of certain players. Young players can be too prone to this sort of thing but there will be repercussions."

Meanwhile, United have agreed a compensation fee for midfielder Jamey Osborne after attending an FA panel last Friday.

United are believed to have paid over £5,000 for the gifted playmaker.

McDonald said: "The figure agreed was certainly a lot closer to our valuation than Hednesford's.

"Jamey's a very talented player and we've already had scouts from Football League clubs come and watch him.

"We must concentrate on Jamey getting back to his best because the club would certainly not stand in his way of a big move."