Dover manager Andy Hessenthaler wants to sign former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Craig Rocastle but admits he hasn’t got the money available at the moment.

The 28-year-old, who is the cousin of the late Arsenal and England player David Rocastle, has just been released by Welling United whom he joined at the start of the season after returning home following a spell playing in Greece.

Rocastle, who has made nearly 80 Football League appearances for clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Port Vale and Oldham, played for Welling against Whites on Bank Holiday Monday and Hessenthaler said: "I thought Craig was their best player and it’s true that he’s now training with us.

"He’s a natural left-sided player and we are a bit short of those but nothing can happen at the moment because I need to trim our budget first."

And Hessenthaler (pictured) revealed that budgetary pressure was one of the reasons why John Keister left Crabble this week to return to his former club Margate.

The midfielder played a key role in Whites’ success over the past two seasons and Hessenthaler added: "I had a chat with John and explained about the budget. I was happy for him to stay but John said he understood the situation and was prepared to help out by going back to Margate, where he is likely to see more action this season.

"That’s the sort of model professional he is and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to Crabble at some point in the future either as a coach or as Dover manager.

"I have asked chairman Jim Parmenter if it would be possible to arrange a benefit game for John at the end of the season. He deserves that after what he’s done for the club."

Whites are back on top of Blue Square South following Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Thurrock. The victory came at a price, with forwards Adam Birchall (hamstring) and Shaun Welford (ankle) picking up injuries which Hessenthaler says make both men doubtful for Saturday’s home game game with Hampton & Richmond.