WORCESTER City boss Carl Heeley is keeping his “fingers crossed” three new signings will be available for tonight’s trip to Midland rivals Tamworth in Vanarama National League North (7.45pm).

Defender Sam Oji, striker Stephen Craig and winger Nathan Olukanmi all require international clearance because they last played in Ireland, Scotland and USA respectively.

The trio all missed City’s curtain-raising 2-2 draw against much-fancied Harrogate Town at the Victoria Ground.

“Sam, Nathan and Stephen are all awaiting international clearance,” said Heeley.

“The clearance can come through in 24 hours but it could take a week or a month, so I am keeping my fingers crossed they will be available for selection soon.

“As a manager, you want the strongest squad you can have.

“If the clearance doesn’t come through, we will make do with what we have got.

“I know the lads will give everything they’ve got and they won’t disgrace themselves or let anybody down.”

Winger Jordan Murphy took “a knee in the ribs” against Harrogate but should be available for the short journey to Tamworth, who drew 0-0 at Brackley Town in their opener.

And midfielder Richard Batchelor is also expected to feature after making a surprise appearance off the bench in the second half at the weekend.

Batchelor, who joined Worcester from Brackley in June, did not feature in pre-season due to a family bereavement.

However, he returned from the Caribbean in time for City’s opener and was thrown into the battle.

“Richard needs to get fit,” admitted Heeley. “But I felt he can give us something different.

“We decided if we were winning late on against Harrogate we would put him on to stiffen things up and that’s what we did.

“You could tell he likes to be in a tackle and that’s going to be important for us.”

Veteran marksman Lee Hughes grabbed both goals against Harrogate and Heeley said it was great to see the 40-year-old still going strong.

But Heeley insisted: “There are other players in the squad who can score goals and we will get better and stronger when we’ve got more players available.

“I am not going to be critical because the players were great in our first game.”