MIDFIELDER Mat Birley seems set to benefit from Worcester City's Saturday off as he battles back from a hamstring injury. 

City have a rare weekend without action as scheduled Midland League opponents Stourport Swifts play in the FA Vase. 

And joint-boss John Snape is confident the experienced former Birmingham City youngster will be ready to report for duty when the action resumes at AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday, December 9. 

“He had the day off on Saturday and is well on the way to recovery," said Snape. "We are hopeful he is only a week away from being involved again.

“We did well in the middle against Stourport but you always miss your better players and Mat certainly fits that bill.

"Wherever he plays, he gives you that consistent seven or eight out of 10 week after week.

“He is a footballer, he wants to pass the ball and play in the right areas. He knows the game inside out and we did miss his presence.”