GOAL-SHY Worcester City have “missed the “threat” of top scorer Lee Hughes, admits manager Carl Heeley.

Hughes is serving a four-match ban after being shown a straight red card for lashing out at Kidderminster Harriers' Elton Ngwatala in the New Year’s Day derby at Aggborough.

And Heeley believes the former West Bromwich Albion striker’s absence has contributed to his side’s struggles in front of goal.

Since his suspension kicked in Worcester have hit the net just once in three games and only fashioned one shot on target in their 0-0 draw at Alfreton Town last Saturday.

It is also not the first time City have suffered as a result of Hughes’ ill-discipline as they scored one goal during his three-match suspension in August following his sending off at Halifax Town.

The 40-year-old, who has netted 13 times in 22 games this season, will be available after City’s trip to local rivals Gloucester City on Saturday (3pm).

“We are reliant on Hughes’ goals,” said Heeley whose side are five points above the drop zone in 16th place.

“On Saturday it will be seven games he has missed through suspension.

“If you look at his goals ratio, it is quite impressive so we have missed him and his goals.

“I am sure in the three games we have just played he would have taken an opportunity at some stage. But we are another game through his suspension.

“We will have him back available shortly and if we can keep that defensive shape and work hard I am sure we will get opportunities to win games.”

Captain Danny Jackman (back), attacking midfielder Micah Evans (calf), winger Connor Hughes (knee) and centre-back Tom Sharpe (knee) remain on City’s injury list.

They are all expected to miss the Gloucester game while defender James Chambers is battling to be fit after damaging his knee in training.

To add to Worcester’s woes, Cieron Keane was dismissed in the dying moments of their clash at Alfreton after receiving two yellow cards in seven minutes.

The left-sided player, who was sent off earlier in the campaign, has been banned for Saturday’s match and City’s home game against Tamworth a week later.

However, Heeley insisted he could not “magically change” the situation Worcester find themselves in as they bid to end their nine-match winless streak in the league.

“Yes, I am frustrated but I have just got to focus on the players I have got available,” Heeley said.

“I have got to focus on the positives of the last five games because we are forgetting we have only conceded three goals and have been brilliant defensively.

“But we have not had that threat (up front) because we have had wide players and our leading scorer missing.

“I can’t magically change it so let’s focus on the positives and the players we have got available who are doing brilliantly for us.”