WORCESTER City striker Shaun Harrad is ready and waiting to take over the penalty duties after seeing team-mate Sean Geddes’ spot-kick saved at Harrogate Town.

With Geddes starting a three-match ban when City visit Sheffield United in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, it could be perfect timing for the the 30-year-old former England C international to step up to the mark.

“At every club I’ve been at, I’ve been fortunate enough to tuck them away,” Harrad said after his offer to take the first-half penalty was rebuffed by the midfielder.

“I’m not the sort of person who will argue on the pitch about a penalty and it’s unfortunate that Gedds has just missed it as that was a game-changer.

“I’m confident I would have put it away but you have to have that confidence being a striker.”

Harrad’s opportunities at City have been limited with Lee Hughes and Deon Burton scoring 11 goals between them since their arrival.

But he admits he’s just happy to be playing again after missing pre- season with a groin injury.

Harrad added: “I’m pain-free and out there running, which wasn’t a given at the start of the season.

“I’m not too far off but the more game time I get, the sharper I’ll get and I can get that first goal that I’ve been edging for.

“It’s a pleasure to be out there at the moment and it feels good at the moment.

“I’ve been itching to play and to play down the centre and at times on Saturday, I showed glimpses of what I can do.

“It’s been a frustrating summer and I just want to play football and enjoy it.”

Joint manager Matt Gardiner admitted it could have been a different game had City’s 38th-minute penalty found the back of the net in the 1-0 National League North loss at Harrogate.

He said: “The penalty miss was crucial. It’s a case of who feels confident on the day but it’s something we certainly need to look at because that’s two big penalties we’ve missed – there was another at Alfreton.

“We have to look for experience but you cannot knock Sean as he normally puts them away.”