EXPERIENCED defender James Chamber is “looking sharp” as he bids to comeback from his troublesome hamstring injury.

Manager Carl Heeley confirmed the 36-year-old had returned to full training and was working hard to get match-fit ahead of Worcester City’s busy festive schedule.

The former Leicester City, West Brom and Watford player has not featured for City since tearing his hamstring in his National League North debut against Gainsborough Trinity in early September.

He appeared to be on track to make a return in October, but a reoccurance of the injury led to another spell on the sidelines.

“He did a full session last Thursday and is looking sharp, so we may have some options available to us with some very tough ties coming up,” said Heeley, whose side travel to Gainsborough on Saturday (3pm) before facing a double-header against Kidderminster Harriers.

“Injuries happen in football. Some players never get an injury and other players they keep recurring.

“But if we can get him available to us, he will be another top player.”

Heeley will also be hoping to have centre-half Sam Oji back in contention to face 19th placed Trinity having not made the trip to York City to see the Blue and Whites get knocked out of the FA Trophy with a 3-1 defeat.

“Sam is struggling with his quad,” he added.

“He has done some light training the other night, but he is not fit.”

City’s boss was unhappy with the way his side defended in the opening 15 minutes which saw Jordan Keane score an own goal and Jon Parkin make it 2-0.

Junior English got one back, but a late Rhys Murphy penalty sent York into the second round where they will meet Harlow Town away.

“The first goal was disappointing as the ball has gone all the way across the penalty area, we don’t cut it out and then it goes across the area again,” he said.

“That is really disappointing from a defensive point of view and gave York the belief to go on and build on that.

“We conceded again on 15 minutes and they have got a head of steam.

“It was then a case of damage limitations just to try to stay in the contest.

“But we didn’t throw the towel in.”