ED Palmer has signed for Weymouth ahead of this afternoon’s clash against Tiverton Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

The news comes as a timely boost for boss Brendon King following a nightmare week of injury concerns.

Sam Poole and Alex Jeannin still face late fitness tests but with skipper Scott Walker pronouncing himself fit, things are looking a lot more encouraging for the Terras who are desperate for a morale-boosting win.

Speaking ahead of the FA Trophy first qualifying round tie, King told Echosport: “I have spoken to Scott and it looks like he is going to be okay. Obviously, he is a massive player for us so it is a huge boost.

“We are still waiting on Sam and Alex but unless we are sure they are ready they won’t be risked. With the size of our squad that is something we can ill-afford to do.”

When asked about Palmer’s return to the Terras, he went on to add: “His inclusion in the squad all depends on whether the paperwork gets done in time.

“We are pretty confident it will be but you never know. He has signed the necessary paperwork at our end but we just need to make sure it is done properly at the other end too.

“Ed has been at the club before and can play in several different positions.

“Primarily he is a defender but he can also play in midfield and will provide us with a lot more options.”

Palmer, who has signed non-contract terms, left Kettering Town earlier this week along with another former Terra, Ben Gerring, who has since joined Cambridge City.

Weymouth have picked up just two wins from 11 and will need to be at their best against a Tivvy side that currently lie second in the league below (Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South & West).

The Terras are also scheduled to host Gosport Borough in the Southern Premier Division on Tuesday night (7.45pm) but that fixture will be replaced by a replay at Ladysmead should today’s game end in stalemate.