TAUNTON Town have not stood still during the government-imposed lockdown, instead adding another promising young player to their squad.

Elias Youssef comes in from Melksham Town, to add another option in midfield for what looks set to be a packed schedule in the second half of the season, given the late start to the Southern League campaign and November's fixtures now being postponed as well.

The 20-year-old started out at Cardiff City, before moving on to Forest Green Rovers and then Chippenham Town - making 27 appearances for the National League South outfit last term.

He has also had spells at Merthyr Town, Redditch United and Melksham - the latter playing in Division 1 South of the Southern League (one level division below Taunton).

The Peacocks have also announced positive news for a midfielder who was already at the club.

Former Swansea City, Motherwell and Merthyr player Lee Lucas joined in the summer, but his start at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium has been disrupted by injury.

Now Taunton believe he will be fit to return in a month's time - when grassroots football is currently scheduled to resume - following further x-rays.

He has been examined by an orthopaedic specialist, and the verdict is that Lucas has sustained no ligament damage, so the Peacocks will hope he can make a greater impact in the second half of the season.