Farsley centre back James Riley has been missing from the teamsheet recently but he was named among the substitutes for the midweek victory at Ossett Town.

The former Bradford Park Avenue and Thackley defender is awaiting an operation but is still being involved as much as possible by the Villagers’ coaching staff.

Farsley boss Neil Parsley said: “James is having a shoulder reconstruction in January, so could be out for a long time when you factor in his 'rehab'.

“He is still training with the rest of the boys and in the case of us having injuries or suspensions James has told us he will play if we need him. But his shoulder is such that he can’t do it week in, week out.

“We don’t want him to suffer any further damage so its been our decision to rest him, and that’s why he has only been on the bench the odd time. It’s a big loss to the squad because he is a top defender.”

One of the players at the other end of the pitch was making all the headlines this week as Adam Priestley made his international debut.

The striker was born in Gibraltar and he was in their side as they played their first game as in independent FA under the UEFA umbrella - a 0-0 draw against Slovakia.

Parsley was hoping Priestley would be available to play for the Villagers in last weekend’s Evo-Stik Division One home clash against leaders Warrington Town but they were without his services for the 3-0 defeat.

Parsley explained: “There was an error in the e-mail the Gibraltar FA sent us. It was our understanding that Adam didn’t have to travel until last Sunday but they had made arrangements for the players to meet up earlier.

“It left a little gap in our squad but we were all pleased for Adam and he went with our best wishes.”