Mike Williamson and Gateshead FC will be buoyed by the return of Kenton Richardson ahead of the FA Trophy Final against FC Halifax Town. Former Sunderland defender, Richardson, missed the Heed's end of season run in after picking up a knock in England C's game against Wales C back in March.
The centre-half has been influential for the Tynesiders this season with his form recognised through his aforementioned international call-up. Ex-Newcastle United midfielder, Owen Bailey, returned for the final three games of the Heed's National League campaign, having also picked up an injury earlier in the season.
The combative central midfielder played a big part in the Heed's promotion from the National League North and is also back up to full speed having missed a large chunk of the season. However, Gateshead will be without loanee Ethan Pye who was recalled by Stockport County, while Ed Francis, Stephen Wearne, Marcus Dinanga are Connor Pani are all cup tied.
READ MORE: 'Unbreakable' Gateshead FC end FA Trophy hoodoo to set up clash with Halifax Town in Wembley final
The Heed have had to do it the hard way to reach the latter stages of the competition, having had to put up with a torrid number of injuries and cup tied players along the way. However, the mood is high heading into the final.
Williamson told Chronicle Live: "Kenton is back fit now and he's played a massive part, the high of going away and playing with England to picking up the injury early on, it was difficult for him but he's a proper professional and worked his socks off. He's in good condition and he's looking forward to it
"It's been a good opportunity [to get players back fit]. Kenton has missed a bit of football, Bails [Owen Bailey] too. The lads have had a bit of down time and we've just been ramping it back up.
"Everyone is in good condition."
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