INJURED winger Connor Hughes has been released just four months after Worcester City stumped up cash to sign him.

The former Oldham Athletic player joined City on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee in November from National League North rivals FC Halifax Town.

However, after one goal in six appearances, the 23-year-old sustained a season-ending knee injury in Worcester’s New Year’s Day clash at Kidderminster Harriers.

And caretaker manager John Snape said it was for the “best interest” of the club and Hughes to part company.

“He is currently in a leg brace and lives up north, so travelling wasn’t great for him,” Snape said.

“Hopefully Connor doesn’t have to have an operation. He is probably two weeks away from knowing the full extent of his injury.

“With all that in mind, we decided to call it even with Connor and settled happily with the situation.”

Hughes has been on the books of League One side Oldham, making 10 appearances before being released. He also had a spell at Hyde before signing for Halifax.

“Connor is a smashing player, but you can’t help injuries so it just didn't work out for him,” he said.

“Dan Nti wasn’t a waste of money because we sold him, so that’s football. Connor didn’t want to get injured, but he did and there was a situation there that has been managed.

“I hope he is back playing soon but he won’t be involved for the rest of this season at any football club at any level so at the moment we have got to strive on with the players that we have got in hand.”

Worcester have recruited Gambia international Pa Sulay Njie, while six youth team players have been brought into the first-team fold.

Edwyn Davies, Callum Harper, Bailey Fuller, Sam Yeomans, Bailey Beddows and Ben Tilbury have all been given the chance to impress.