MANAGER Carl Heeley admits Worcester City are “reliant” on veteran striker Lee Hughes’ goals to steer them clear of danger this season.

The 40-yard-old former Premier League frontman is set to return to the side to face Gainsborough Trinity at the Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm) after serving his three-match ban.

Since his suspension kicked in following his red card against FC Halifax Town, City have drawn 1-1 at FC United of Manchester and suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Chorley and Stockport County.

Heeley said Hughes’ absence has been costly as they now sit bottom of Vanarama National League North on goal difference.

And City’s boss insisted they could not afford to lose the ex-West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City player to a “moment of stupidity” again this season having bagged three goals in four games.

“I don’t think it is any coincidence that since Lee has been suspended we have scored only one goal,” he said.

“We are reliant upon him. He can’t (come back soon enough) but we are paying the price for a moment of stupidity.

“We have missed Hughesy, we have missed his goals, his threat and his experience.

“But his ban is done now and let’s hope it’s the last one he has in a Worcester City shirt as we can’t afford to be without him.”

Last season, Hughes’ ability to find the net regularly proved crucial in City’s bid to avoid the drop as he struck 18 times in 34 appearances.

Young striker Colby Bishop has scored twice this term but full-back Tyler Weir believes Hughes will make a big difference.

“I think we have lost every game by one goal apart from Halifax, so it is not like we are getting turned over easily,” he said.

“We had chances against FC United, Chorley and Stockport but we need to make that count, so Hughesy will be huge.

“Even at 40 years old, he has scored three in four games so far, so it will be a massive boost for us tomorrow.

“We just need to create chances for him and hopefully he will put one away.”

Centre-back Graham Hutchison appears to be a doubt after being struck in the face by a ball at Stockport County.

But experienced defender Sam Oji could take his place having had a week to recover from his knee problem.

Heeley will also hope to have goalkeeper Nick Draper (shoulder) and winger Nathan Olukanmi (hamstring) back available after they missed Monday’s trip to Edgeley Park.