The summer signing may make his league debut in Thursday's televised game at Blue Square Premier new boys Lewes after recovering from a broken jaw.

That would put Clare two weeks ahead of schedule on his return
following the injury blow suffered in Diamonds' pre-season friendly against Arsenal's academy at Nene Park at the end of July.

Manager Garry Hill revealed: "He is back in training and, hopefully, should be available next week."

There was also some good news over the fitness of striker Dean
McDonald.

He damaged his right leg just before half-time in last weekend's defeat at Kidderminster Harrier after he had opened the scoring.

Hill added: "His hamstring injury isn't as bad as we first thought and feared.

"He has already responded very well to treatment which is very
encouraging."

McDonald missed the midweek trip to Barrow when an injury-time equaliser meant Diamonds have now gone five games without a win – stretching back to the first week of the season.

Striker Lee Phillips needed stitches to a deep cut on the back of his head while left-back Gareth Jelleyman was also replaced after complaining of a tight groin muscle.

Hill is awaiting medical updates over which players will be available for Saturday's visit of Crawley Town – although Lee Tomlin will definitely not play as he completes his three-match suspension.