VETERAN defender Peter Billing has come out of retirement to act as defensive cover for Witton Albion.

The absence of Danny Gee due to work commitments has resulted in manager Nigel Gleghorn calling on the experienced centre-back to avoid too much disruption to his table-topping side.

Ex-Coventry City and Northwich Vics defender Billing left Wincham Park in September to concentrate on becoming a PE instructor.

He returned to face Matlock in the 2-2 draw on Saturday and will be in contention for a place again in Friday night's league fixture.

Despite not replacing Billing immediately after he retired, Gee's absence will force Gleghorn to eventually seek a more permanent source of cover. The player-manager was, however, full of praise for Billing's contribution.

He said: "When he left he said we treated him so well he would come back and help us out as we needed.

"He's come back and given us a hand so he was a good acquisition to begin with, and it's nice that he left on terms where he feels he can come back and play for us.

"But I still need to find another centre back. I have a couple in mind who are at other clubs."

Gleghorn is also searching for another forward player and goalkeeper to maintain Albion's position at the top of UniBond Division One, four points clear of the rest.

Tony Carroll signed for Premier Division Droylsden before Gleghorn had the chance to negotiate terms.

"I want to put a bit of pressure on Paul Hennin and David Anane so they don't rest on their laurels," added the boss.

"I don't want a massive squad but a quality squad. I don't agree with getting players for the sake of it. I'm happy to stick with what I've got because the lads here are the ones who have got us to the top.

"Sometimes you need to freshen it up and keep them on their toes so they carry on with what they have been doing."

Before the big Euro 2000 encounter, Albion are plugging their own England v Scotland showpiece when Gretna visit Wincham Park on Friday night (7.30pm).

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