MIDFIELDER Toby Stephens remains in Weymouth’s plans despite turning out for rivals Dorchester Town on Saturday.

Stephens, who made his first-team debut with Yeovil Town aged 17, had loan spells with Truro City and Plymouth Parkway in the Southern League last season.

The highly-rated central defensive man played 72 minutes of Dorchester's 2-1 loss to Wimborne and could be available on a dual registration deal with the Terras.

Explaining Stephens’ absence from the 2-1 win at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday, Wilkinson said: “We spoke this week and he needs to get minutes.

READ MORE: Swindon Supermarine 1-2 Weymouth - reaction

“He’s not getting ahead of people like Max (Hemmings) or Tom (Bearwish) at the moment.

“We said to go (to Dorchester), get some minutes and when we decide we’ll call him back.

“It’s going to be a tough two weeks now. Some players might need to go out and get minutes somewhere else.

“I can only have 16. While it’s great to have a 20-man squad, it’s not great when it gets down to the disappointing phone calls when I’ve got to tell them to get minutes somewhere else.

“I phoned up Toby, who I think is a brilliant little player, and at this stage of his career he needs to play 90 minutes every week.

“I’d rather them get minutes, so if we call them back they’re ready rather than sitting in the stands.”