UPBEAT joint-manager Carl Heeley said he was pleased to have some selection headaches ahead of Worcester City’s clash against Alfreton Town at Aggborough tomorrow (3pm).

Injuries and suspensions have blighted City’s season so far but Heeley said his side were in the best shape they had been in for a while.

Winger Tristian Dunkley remains sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, while full-back Tyler Weir has been handed a two-month ban after failing to declare he had been approached over match fixing.

But, with striker Lee Hughes and defenders Tom Sharpe and Wayne Thomas returning to full fitness, Heeley said Worcester have got a strong squad to choose from for the Vanarama National League North encounter.

“We have got some selection headaches but I would rather have these headaches than be in crisis,” he said.

“We have had enough times this season where we have not had players available for whatever reason and that can be quite frustrating.

“So when we have got players to select from it is nice and competition for places is relatively strong.”

City are high in confidence after stunning promotion-chasing AFC Fylde 3-2 and North Ferriby United 2-0 in successive weeks.

But they face an Alfreton side who are unbeaten in their last nine league games and beat Worcester 2-1 earlier this season.

Heeley said: “They’re a big, athletic side with some very good players and are full of confidence.

“In the first half at their place, I thought it was the best performance of the season by a team against us.

“But we are also feeling quite good about ourselves at the moment as we have had two great wins.

“It is nice that we have got pretty much a full complement of players to choose from as that will help hugely.”

Alex Gudger is expected to retain his place at left-back after coming in for Weir last weekend.

Sharpe, Thomas and right-back Sam Minihan are likely to complete the back four with Nathan Vaughan keeping the gloves.

“They’re top players and when you have got Nathan in there as well it is a good platform to build on,” Heeley said.

“Most teams would like to get Nathan, Wayne and Tom in their ranks at our level but they’re our players and it is great to have them available again.”

On-loan Walsall striker Amadou Bakayoko caused problems against North Ferriby but his failure to score looks set to open the door for ex-West Brom ace Hughes, who has netted nine times in 17 appearances.

“Just having Lee available to you in whatever capacity is huge,” Heeley said.

“He is still our leading goal-scorer and we have missed him, so it is great to have him back and he is getting sharper, which is great news for the club.”