FIT-AGAIN defender Graham Hutchison will help Worcester City “immensely” as they aim to shut out Nuneaton Town today (3pm), says caretaker boss John Snape.

Hutchison is expected to return to the starting line-up for the Vanarama National League North clash at Liberty Way after missing City’s last four games with a knee injury.

Experienced centre-back Sam Oji and Rotherham United youngster Tom Rose are also in contention for a place after overcoming illnesses.

Tom Sharpe and James Chambers combined in central defence, with Andy Gallinagh and Tyler Weir at full-back for City’s 2-2 draw with Darlington last Saturday.

But caretaker boss John Snape looks set to reshuffle his back four as third-from-bottom City look to secure their first clean sheet since holding Alfreton Town to a 0-0 draw in late January.

“Graham has returned to training and will help us immensely due to his size and stature,” Snape said.

“Sam was ill last week, but he has trained so he is another one who will be in contention so we are looking quite solid for the defensive positions.

“It can be a bit of a headache (having so many options), but the problem is we have not collected enough clean sheets for anyone to really dominate those areas.

“(Goalkeeper) Ethan Ross has risen to the challenge since Nathan (Vaughan) has come in.

“But, again, we will be looking at that as the aim will be to keep a clean sheet.”

Snape was pleased to see Jordan Murphy bag a brace last weekend and the forward appears to be in line to start up front alongside Junior English who also impressed.

After the “disaster” of losing 2-0 at rock-bottom Altrincham, City produced a much-improved display against play-off chasing Darlington at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground. But Snape insisted his players must improve on their travels as Worcester, who are one point adrift of safety, have lost their last three away games.

However, they face a Nuneaton side who have won back-to-back home matches to put them nine points clear of the drop zone in 14th position.

“Our away performances haven’t been good enough,” Snape said.

“We went to Harrogate and didn’t keep them out longer than 15 minutes and it was a disaster at Altrincham, which we have got to learn from.

“The key against Nuneaton will be the start. They have also got goals in their side so the two lads up front and their midfield will need to be looked after.”