Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray believes that the time is right to include 18-year-old midfielder Jack Thomas in his first-team squad.

Thomas has impressed during a loan spell at Conference North outfit Hednesford Town, and after recalling the teenager back before the end of his stay, Murray has revealed that he has no concerns with introducing Thomas to League Two football.

Murray told the club's official website: "We feel Jack has come a long way in his loan period at Hednesford.

"We have no worries about introducing Jack into the first team environment and with the injuries we have at the minute, the time is right to recall him."

Thomas scored once in eight appearances during his spell with the Pitmen.