MANAGER John Snape is happy to manage Mat Birley’s playing time to make the most of his “second to none” talents.

The 32-year-old midfield maestro has missed four of City’s 12 matches to date with muscle complaints, including Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Quorn.

Birley, appointed player-coach in the summer, is expected to return for tomorrow’s home clash with Lye Town at the Victoria Ground (3pm) after a calf strain settled adequately.

And while Snape acknowledged the absence had hurt City in midweek, he would rather be cautious than risk doing without one of his main men for any extended period.

“Both in his role on the staff and as a player Mat has been fantastic from the back end of last season right through to now,” said Snape.

“His ability to take the ball in tight areas and make things happen is second to none, not just as this level but it would be the same in the divisions above as well.

“Mat will struggle with little niggles from time to time, he does pick them up which hinders his training but he has so much to offer off the pitch which is why he’s part of the staff.

“I am looking forward to him playing the majority of games this season and if that means playing two out of three when we have to go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday then I will take that.

“He was missed against Quorn. We went too long and he would have been that link into the forwards, making that bit of magic happen with a cool, calm head.”

Birley’s return will be music to Snape’s ears with City’s list of casualties still making life tough.

Emerging talent Wes Lewis is a doubt, as is goalkeeper Matt Gwynne who hurt the hand he broke in a work-related accident last season again at Dunkirk.

Defenders Jamie Smith, who needed 23 stitches in a head wound suffered during last weekend’s 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Sporting Community, and Andy Gallinagh (knee ligaments) are ruled out.

Striker Dave Reynolds would have missed the match but has completed his move to Redditch United.

“Andy saw the doctor on Wednesday and there has been a slight improvement, we hope he will be available in a couple of weeks,” said Snape.

“With his stitches as they are we don’t expect Jamie Smith to be considered for the weekend. Wes Lewis has a tight groin and a slight worry over his hamstring so we’ll see how he is.

“Matt’s hand is still swollen and we don’t know how he will be. He is still feeling pain and it doesn’t look great but that has probably been the case every since the injury last season.”

Alongside Birley, Chris Withington comes back into contention for a place in midfield.