ASSISTANT manager Ashley Vincent has thrown down the gauntlet to returning FA Cup hero Sean Geddes to prove his fitness this summer.

Geddes, 26, is set to meet up with Worcester City’s squad this week after being invited to pre-season training.

Vincent said he was looking forward to working with the former Manchester United trainee and Walsall professional.

But he insisted it was important Geddes, who has recently overcome knee surgery, was “singing from the same hymn sheet” as City’s coaching staff as they prepare their side for the 2018-19 Midland League Premier Division campaign.

“I think Sean is going to join in with training this week as he was not around last week,” Vincent said.

“I just hope we have got a fit Sean Geddes as you cannot question his ability.”

Geddes hit the headlines when he struck twice in Worcester’s FA Cup first round victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena in 2014 before becoming an online sensation when his rabona goal against Barrow went viral.

But the attacking midfielder has been unable to rekindle that magic as he went from one non-league club to the next.

“Sean is a fantastic player but he has had his injuries,” Vincent continued.

“What we have got to make sure is we don’t have players coming into the season with niggles or anything like that as we want to play a high-tempo game.

“We need fit players and everyone working in the same direction as that’s the only way we are going to achieve our goals.

“We need to be singing from the same hymn sheet and that’s the line we are going off with Sean.”

Most of City’s squad had their first training session of the summer last Wednesday.

Vincent said he had put together a fitness regime along with manager John Snape and player-coach Mat Birley for their players to follow.

“It’s not going to be a case where we are just going to turn up and ask the boys to run,” said 33-year-old Vincent.

“We are also not going to put on a five-a-side and say ‘Off you boys go’.

“We have planned it well so we will be firing on that first game of the season.

“(Fitness work) will step up gradually over the weeks to make sure they are exactly where they need to be.”

The ex-Port Vale and Cheltenham Town winger added: “The most successful seasons I had came after a pre-season where I worked really hard and had no injuries.

“It gives you that foundation to build on and you are confident that you are not going to get tired in games during the season.”

Worcester are building up for Saturday’s first friendly at West Midlands League Premier Division side Malvern Town which now kicks off at noon due to England's World Cup quarter-final with Sweden at 3pm.

“Pre-season games are fantastic,” Vincent said.

“I am not too interested in results although you want to start getting into a vein of form.

“It is about playing football. You can run around parks all you like but nothing can prepare you for 90 minutes (in the league) like a match so the more we can give boys minutes the better.”