TRISTAN Plummer has joined the Terras on an initial one-month loan deal from Aldershot Town.

The former Bristol City youngster, who can operate out wide or as a striker, is set to boost manager Jason Matthews’ squad and should be eligible for their FA Trophy first qualifying round contest with Shortwood United at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

The 24-year-old originally joined the Shots from Weston-super-Mare in January, and was described as a “breath of fresh air” by Terras’ assistant-manager Craig Laird when the two worked together as part of the Seagulls’ set up last term.

Before his time at Weston, the former England youth international had loan spells at Luton, Torquay and Hereford, and also had a stint in Portugal with Portimonense.

With the deal in place, manager Jason Matthews told Echosport: “I am absolutely delighted to get him on board for a month and it’s great to have him after five other clubs were chasing him.

“Some of them were from a higher league so it just goes to show we must be doing something right.

“He is highly-rated, gives us a few options and although we have a 17-man squad, we have been a little low on numbers, so to get another man in of his quality is very pleasing."

Battered and bruised from their midweek FA Cup extra-time exit at Braintree Town, in which some of the Plymouth-based squad members did not get home until around 5am the following morning, the Terras’ boss has given his players a well-earned rest this week in preparation for tomorrow’s Trophy test.

Matthews added: “We need to do a professional job and it’s my job now to monitor a few of the lads because Tuesday took a hell of a lot out of them.

“From a personal point of view I am still feeling it from the long journey home, it was energy sapping for everyone.

“I will be having a chat with a few of the lads and see how they are feeling nearer the time.”

Tim Sills is once again a big doubt to feature for Weymouth. Calvin Brooks and Luke Winsper are both carrying knocks and Sam Poole continues to struggle with his ankle problem.

The visiting Wood will be no walk in the park for the Terras on Saturday, they may be a league tier below the Terras, but have only lost one game in all competitions in the last two months.

But the Weymouth chief remains confident going into the tie, and is backing his players to bounce back from their midweek cup heartache.

Matthews added: “I have full confidence in my lads, if we play well we are capable of beating anyone at our level and below.

“I don’t think it will be hard for me to pick them up, I look after them as much as I can and that is something I have learned to do from managers I have played under.”

“Up to now the lads have been outstanding this season, we need to take that into the Shortwood game and get ourselves off on another cup run.”

Should the Terras win tomorrow, they would scoop £2,700 in prize money.

Weymouth are also now set to travel to Frome Town in league action on Wednesday December 17.

Terras (from): Matthews, West, Wannell, Copp, McPhee, Laird, Brooks, Kelly, Rigg, Yetton, Colwell, Shephard, Prodomo, Plummer, Winsper, Poole, Sills, Wells.