INFLUENTIAL striker Lee Hughes has promised Worcester City manager Carl Heeley he will not get sent off again this season.

The former Premier League front-man was brandished a straight red card last month after appearing to hit out at FC Halifax Town defender Daniel Hone.

The 40-year-old, who picked up one red and six yellows last term, described the incident as “a moment of madness” as Halifax ran out 3-0 winners.

During his three-match ban, City picked up just one point and scored only one goal as they slumped to the foot of National League North.

Heeley admitted Worcester were “reliant” on the prolific ex-West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City ace’s goals to steer them clear of trouble.

And Hughes, who has bagged braces in back-to-back games since returning from his suspension, says he will do his utmost to keep his name out of the referee’s book.

“It was a moment of madness (against Halifax),” said Hughes, whose two goals against Gainsborough Trinity helped City recover from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 last Saturday.

“I have told the manager it is not going to happen again and I am going to prove it.

“As you’ve seen from the game on Saturday, I have controlled myself, so I showed him then and that will continue.”

Hughes also scored twice as City claimed their first win of the season with a 5-3 victory over Alfreton Town on Tuesday.

The double takes his tally for the season up to seven in five games and Hughes feels he is capable of reaching 20 goals this term if he stays on the pitch.

“I always aim for one goal in two matches or one in three,” said Hughes, who hit the net 18 times in 34 appearances in the 2015-16 campaign.

“If I get that, I will be happy. At my age you don’t really know how many matches you are going to play but if I play 40 games I am looking at getting 20 goals.”

It is the veteran marksman’s second season at City and he insists he is enjoying playing for Heeley’s side.

“It is brilliant here,” said Hughes, who has also played in the Football League for Oldham, Notts County and Port Vale.

“Every club I have been at, I have always changed people’s minds.

“Hopefully, I can repay them (City’s fans) by scoring goals and then they can support me even more.

“I am enjoying it but we just need more points on the board and we will be happy.”