JOINT-manager Carl Heeley has urged homegrown aces Jamie Smith and Dean Waldron to show they are tough enough to help battling Worcester City.

The duo, who are both part of the club’s under-21s side, have been on the fringes of the first team but are expected to feature against high-flyers AFC Fylde on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Heeley believes the versatile Smith and central midfielder Waldron, who have made eight starts between them this season, are representing the club’s efforts to bring through local talent.

However, he admitted the youngsters have still got a lot to learn to hold down places in the side as they have both struggled with the rigours of competitive football.

“Jamie and Dean have done well for us,” he said. “But they have got to look after themselves better on a football pitch.

“They have got to start completing 90 minutes and playing games back-to-back because, certainly in Jamie’s case, he has struggled to complete a match and that’s a hurdle he has got to get over.”

Smith was last handed a starting shirt in November when the winger, who can also play at full-back, scored against Boston United before being carried off for the third time this season.

“Jamie has got to look after himself a little more on the pitch because his ability, work-rate and commitment is spot on,” Heeley said.

“But it just about getting the mental and physical side of men’s football week in, week out. I am not advocating smashing people, but you have to make sure you are not the one coming off hurt.

“So hopefully they can both do that and then they’ll be very good players for Worcester City.”

With Ellis Deeney sold to Tamworth this week, ex-Christopher Whitehead Language College pupil Waldron is likely to be given the chance to press his case.

Tristian Dunkley’s injury could open the door for academy product Smith on the wing.

Dunkley was forced off during City’s 2-1 defeat to Corby Town last weekend after suffering a dislocated shoulder and Heeley believes the injury will keep him out for up to six weeks.

“Because it was not the first time it had happened, the obvious concern was whether they were going to have to pin the shoulder,” Heeley said.

“We saw him on Saturday evening and he was feeling sore as the shoulder had been put back in.

“But Tristian still had a smile on his face. I suppose when things like that happen you have to look on the bright side.”