BRADLEY Tarbuck’s return to the Dorchester Town side will be like having a new signing, says boss Mark Jermyn.

Magpies’ chief Jermyn reckons Tarbuck, who suffered medial ligament damage just before Christmas, is “about two weeks away” from making his comeback.

Tarbuck was running down the stairs at his girlfriend’s house when he sustained the freak knee injury, and it was feared then he could miss the rest of the season.

Speaking to Echosport about the former Portsmouth midfielder’s condition, Jermyn said: “We’re hoping to have him back shortly and, if I’m honest, it will be like signing a new player.

“Bradley is one of those players who can make things happen for us, he just gives you that little extra spark.

“He has missed quite a few games now but if he can get himself fit then he could have a really good second half of the season.

“Had he played for us on Saturday then it could well have been a different result, but that’s football.”

He added: “It will be great to see him return and everybody is looking forward to having Bradley back.

“I was only saying to Nick (Crittenden) on Saturday how we need a little bit of flair to get us back into games when we go behind.”

Meanwhile, Simon Evans’ reserves are scheduled to travel to AFC Portchester in the Wyvern Premier Division tonight (7.45pm).