VETERAN striker Lee Hughes is set to make his Worcester City debut at Stockport County tomorrow.

The former West Brom and Kidderminster Harriers hot-shot agreed a deal this week, turning down an offer from Conference outfit Tranmere Rovers in the process.

With Bulgarian Nikolay Todorov making his debut on Monday after joining City on a month’s loan from Not - tingham Forest, it could be a new-look frontline for the visit to the former Football League club.

“We needed to make changes and we have done that with the signing of Lee Hughes,” joint manager Matt Gardiner said.

“He has got himself fit and has been scoring goals for Ilkeston. He has that experience that we need and will give the youngsters in the side a hand as they continue to develop.

“The likes of Dan Nti and Tristan Dunkley are young lads — and you could probably include Ryan Rowe in that category.”

Hughes, who turned 39 in May, has scored more than 300 goals in his career and racked up more than 700 appearances.

This season he scored three goals in five games for Ilkeston, who play in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division.

City have striker Ashley Vincent, defender Clayton McDonald and midfielder Sean Geddes suspended for the trip to Stockport, while Dunkley is unavailable.

There is also a doubt over Rowe who missed the 4-1 Bank Holiday Monday defeat to Hednesford Town after picking up a leg injury at Brackley Town on Saturday.

Gardiner added: “We will probably have barely 16 players available for Stockport before we start getting them back again. Those sendings off have really punished us and left us chasing games.

“On Monday I thought we looked tired mentally so it will help having these fresh faces in the changing room.

Tom Sharpe gave us some experience at the back and while Nikolay was isolated up front, I thought he showed some good touches.

“For Stockport we will also have Nathan Vaughan back.

The spirit and desire is still there and the players don’t become bad footballers overnight. A win changes everything.

“We know it will be difficult at Stockport but we go with the right attitude.”

Gardiner added that he watched young defender Jamie Smith on Monday night, playing on loan for Rushall Olympic against Stourbridge.

“I thought he was excellent up against a decent footballer,” City’s joint boss said.

“Their loans are up on September 12 and it has been good that both Jamie and Dean Waldron [at Halesowen Town] have been playing."