Tom Bender has been given the all-clear – and can’t wait to play now.

The Colchester loanee took a blow to the head against Tranmere Rovers in the abandoned Johnstone Paint Trophy clash early last month and was rushed to hospital.

There were fears for his health but he was relieved to be diagnosed with only severe concussion. However he wasn’t able to come back immediately as he was told that, while the side of his brain healed, another blow to the same spot could kill him.

He has now, though, been given the all-clear by the neurologist and was the 17th man at Crawley last Saturday.

And he is now just waiting to get the call-up by boss John Coleman.

"I feel ready to play now and am available for selection," said the 18-year-old defender, who is on stand-by for the Welsh Under 21 squad’s clash in Armenia in the European qualfiers on November 15.

"I just can’t wait to play again. I had to be certain in my own mind that I was ready but I am and was relieved to get the all-clear.

"It was hard having to watch on Saturday but I am just waiting for my chance."

Reds skipper Andy Procter is suspended tomorrow and centre-back Sean¿Hessey is struggling to recover from his hip and hamstring injuries, which could open up a slot for Bender.

"Procky is suspended so I just have to train well this week and hope I can get in the squad."

His flat-mate Kurtis Guthrie had been suffering from a back injury which has kept him sidelined but has also got the all-clear following a scan this week.

Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley officials were at a tribunal last week for Sean McConville.

The attacker moved to Stockport in the summer – when businessman Tony Evans was taking over the Edgeley Park club although he has since walked away – despite being offered a deal with the Reds after 13 goals last season.

As he is under 24, a tribunal decided a fee although it is undisclosed. McConville is currently out of action after dislocating his collar bone in September.

"The result was fair to both sides," said Stanley chief executive Rob Heys.

n ACCRINGTON loan defender Kevin Long is on stand-by for the Republic of Ireland’s Under 21 qualifier against Liechtenstein on November 14.