CENTRAL defender Jacob Rowe could be a surprise inclusion in the Worcester City squad as they gear up for back-to-back games over the Bank Holiday weekend — starting with tomorrow’s trip to Brackley Town (3pm).

His return could not have come at a better time for the club with former Port Vale and Walsall stopper Clayton McDonald facing a one match ban for his two bookings at Solihull Moors last week.

Rowe played 42 games for City last season but missed pre-season after he went travelling following his graduation from university.

“Jacob always planned to come back,” joint City manager Matt Gardiner said. “He has been travelling but will be available for the weekend.

“He has missed pre-season but has kept himself fit. It’s brilliant news for us as he was great last season.”

McDonald’s suspension kicks in after the weekend’s games meaning he will miss the trip to Stockport County on September 5 but Rowe’s return means City’s management team have options as they look to bounce back from Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Chorley.

Rob Elvins and Alex Gudger finished that game in the heart of the defence while Kieran Morris is also available again after serving his one match ban picked up in the season’s opener at Gainsborough Trinity.

With Brackley Town and Monday’s Aggborough opponents Hednesford Town also struggling for early season form, Gardiner is keen for City’s players to focus on their own game.

“Those two clubs need the points as much as we do at the moment,” he added. “But if we can get our own house in order and keep our shape and discipline then we will be fine.

“We have constantly been firefighting this season. Saturday was probably the first time we were able to make a positive change and that showed just what we are capable of, coming back into it before the game turned with the red card and Chorley’s late winner.”

Gardiner also praised the loan system that has not only seen striker Jamie Spencer come into the squad from landlords Kidderminster Harriers but has also allowed teenage pair Dean Waldron and Jamie Smith to continue their development out on loan.

“Dean is at Halesowen Town and Jamie is at Rushall Olympic,” he explained.

“Both of them are playing and we are getting good reports back from the clubs.”