WORCESTER City boss Carl Heeley admits he is not surprised by Stalybridge Celtic’s sorry start to the season.

However, Heeley insisted he “could not care less” about his opponents’ plight as he looks to guide City to three points at Bromsgrove's Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm).

The Great Manchester visitors are second from bottom in Vanarama National League North after winning just two of their first 13 games.

Following the departure of manager Liam Watson, Paul Phillips and Steve Halford took over the reins at the beginning of September.

But Stalybridge still remain in the relegation zone after fellow strugglers Altrincham condemned them to a fourth straight defeat last Saturday.

Heeley said: “If you had asked most of the managers who knew the league and the players teams had signed, I think they would have been able to select the top eight or 10 after a quarter of the season.

“Likewise, they would have probably been able to pick the teams who have been in the bottom half of the division.

“So that (Stalybridge’s start) isn’t a surprise to me.

“I am sure Stalybridge would have been disappointed but they have changed their management team and made a number of changes to their personnel, so they will be hoping for a change in fortunes.”

Having got their campaign back on track with a 0-0 draw at Boston United last weekend, Heeley said it was important 16th-placed City focused on securing their first victory of the month.

“I don’t particularly look at league positions or what other teams have done,” he continued.

“I just look at it as a next opportunity for us to pick points up.

“There is enough to concentrate on looking at yourselves rather than worrying about what other teams are thinking of.

“I could not care less to be honest.”

Worcester are set to welcome back left-sided Cieron Keane (head) and striker Colby Bishop (dead leg) after recovering from “minor injuries”.

There is also a chance defender James Chambers could make his first appearance since sustaining a hamstring injury against Gainsborough Trinity last month.

Junior English was forced off at Boston after suffering a bang to the head but Heeley expects the midfielder to be available.

The City boss added: “I don’t care about our last performance. It’s irrelevant.

“I think people look at it and think you did well in your last game, so you will do better in the next game.

“But it doesn’t necessarily work out like that.

“This is a good standard of football with good teams and every game is difficult, so if you are not on your game you will get punished.”