NATHAN Vaughan, Wayne Thomas and Ethan Ross have given Worcester City a “massive boost” ahead of their Easter weekend double-header.

The trio are in contention to face Vanarama National League North leaders Solihull Moors at Aggborough tomorrow (3pm) and Monday’s trip to relegation-threatened Hednesford Town (3pm) as 17th-placed City attempt to climb clear of the drop zone.

Centre-back Thomas returns after a back problem, while joint-manager Carl Heeley has also been boosted by the recovery of Vaughan (groin) and Ross (finger) from injury.

The duo looked set for long lay-offs and left City considering signing another goalkeeper to provide back-up to Calum Kitscha.

But Heeley revealed 34-year-old Vaughan and West Bromwich Albion youngster Ross were back challenging for the number one shirt.

“We are very hopeful Wayne, Nathan and Ethan will all be available to take part over the two games, which would be a massive boost,” he said.

“Wayne and Nathan are big characters for us. We have got to get them back — it’s as simple as that.”

Heeley feared Ross had broken his finger following a “training accident” at West Brom last week.

But he said the 19-year-old was now ready to try and reclaim the gloves from Cheltenham Town loanee Kitscha, who has started City’s last three games.

“There is no bruising on Ethan’s finger,” Heeley said.

“In fact, there is very little damage apart from a lot of swelling, which has improved dramatically, so he is quite confident.

“Calum has done well for us but you can’t rely on having just one goalkeeper, so I would rather have more than enough than none at all because we won’t be able to take anybody else in after the registration deadline.

“So if all three were unavailable, we would have a problem.”

With two games in three days, Heeley, who landed strikers Kyle Perry and Alun Webb from Hednesford and Loughborough University respectively before the registration deadline, admitted he was unlikely to field the same team for both clashes.

But he insisted they would not hold back against title-chasing Solihull as City, who are four points above the relegation area, aim to secure their first victory in more than a month.

“You don’t go top of the league and stay there pretty much all the way through until the end of March without being a good side,” said Heeley, whose side knocked Solihull out of the FA Cup in October.

“But we have beaten Solihull, Fylde, Boston and North Ferriby, so we are certainly not looking at games thinking they are not winnable because they are.

“We have got a good record against the sides at the top of the league and we have got to try to keep that going and keep the points tally rolling over the weekend.”