TOP scorer Lee Hughes says he is back fit and ready to push Worcester City on in Vanarama National League North.

After a month out with a thigh problem, the former West Bromwich Albion striker made his return to action when he came on in the final stages of City’s 2-0 victory over North Ferriby United.

Hughes admitted he was set to start on the bench for Worcester’s clash against Alfreton Town at the weekend, which was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

However, the 39-year-old, who has struck nine times in 17 games this season, insisted he was now focused on getting in the best shape possible to face Chorley on Saturday.

“I was going to be on the bench and come on for about 30 or 40 minutes as I needed to get a bit more of my fitness back,” he said.

“Hopefully, I will be ready to start against Chorley. Apart from having a little injury, which has kept me out, I am really enjoying it here and now I am back fit and ready to go.

“We are on the up at the moment and hopefully we can keep it going and see what happens.”

Since mid-December, Sean Geddes, Ebby-Nelson Addy, Ashley Vincent, Shaun Harrad and Ellis Deeney have left the club with Shaun Donnellan, George Cleet, Amadou Bakayoko and Jordan Murphy arriving at Aggborough.

Despite the changes, City have stunned high-fliers Fylde and North Ferriby and Hughes believes the 16th-placed side can kick on.

“I definitely think we can finish in the top half,” he said. “And who knows, if we go on a little bit of a run you can look up as high as possible, so why not the play-offs?

“We were looking at the wrong end of the table a few weeks ago but if we get a few more wins we could be looking right up there.

“It is disappointing we have not got out there and played against Alfreton, especially as we have won the last two games and are on a bit of a roll.

“We always knew we had the ability and quality in the changing room. We just needed to put it all together because there has been a lot of players who have come and gone.

“Hopefully, we can keep a steady squad and perform on the pitch.”