WORCESTER City manager Ashley Vincent played down any injury concerns over goalkeeper Dan Jezeph ahead of his long-awaited return to competitive action this month.

Jezeph’s 150-day ban for improper conduct will come to an end after City’s first three matches of the campaign.

The ex-Walsall stopper is scheduled to come back when Worcester tackle Boldmere St Michaels at the Victoria Ground on Saturday, August 17.

And Vincent is optimistic Jezeph will be fit for the home clash despite his recent injury setback in pre-season.

Jezeph made his first outing since being hit with his long suspension last season when he started at Redditch United on Tuesday.

But the 21-year-old lasted just a quarter of an hour before being replaced by reserves keeper Gabriel Bajrami due to a hamstring issue.

“He felt alright in the warm-up but after 10 or 15 minutes he went for a couple of balls that he would usually feel 100 per cent in his mind about but was only at 80 to 90 per cent,” Vincent said.

“We told him before the game that we would take absolutely no risk with him.

“If he wasn’t feeling 100 per cent I wanted him to come off and he did that.

“He is a sensible boy and knows that it is a long season ahead and we are going to need him.

“I want him to be right.”

Vincent said Jezeph picked up the injury last season but felt the club’s medics had found a “remedy” for his troublesome hamstring.

“He was doing some running in his own time and got a slight hamstring tweak, it wasn’t a pull or tear,” Vincent said.

“He is a very aggressive kicker.

“He is brilliant with his feet but almost needs to feel like an outfield player because at times he plays that way.

“He needs to feel that his muscles are in working order.

“I think a lot of goalkeepers in that position probably could have played on but not the way Dan plays and I want him to feel 100 per cent comfortable in his mind and body.

“What we want is a Dan Jezeph that is fit because we have got a goalkeeper that can play a lot higher than this.

“We are fortunate to have him.

“In the next seven to 10 days we should have Dan back fighting fit and then it’s up to him to get his shirt back.”

Jezeph was sent off after remonstrating with referee James Cox in a 6-1 defeat to Westfields on November 24, 2018.

Six days later, he got charged with improper conduct against a match official including physical contact, violent conduct and threatening and/or abusive language/behaviour.

He admitted his guilt and was banned for 150 days.

But he was eligible for non-competitive fixtures after April 28, making him available for pre-season friendlies.

“He would have played more in pre-season had he not got the slight injury,” Vincent added.

“But he is working hard and is a fit boy.”

Vincent is hoping to secure a new keeper before Saturday’s Midland League Premier Division opener at Newark Flowserve (3pm).