JAI Stanley has joined Hednesford on a month's loan as Worcester City look set to sign a highly regarded Nationwide North star for a four-figure fee.

Subject to agreeing personal terms, the player, tracked by boss Andy Preece for almost a year, should complete his move in time for his City debut against Moor Green at St George's Lane tomorrow.

While Preece endeavours to strengthen his squad, Worcester's club record signing Stanley heads to Keys Park to improve his match fitness.

The 27-year-old playmaker, who last December underwent his third knee operation in two years, is not guaranteed first-team football at St George's Lane.

Stanley fulfilled 120 minutes in Monday night's Worcestershire Senior Cup loss, but his chances of replacing Nick Colley, Tom Warmer, Sam Wedgbury or George Clegg in City's midfield pecking order are limited until he regains full fitness.

Preece believes the move to basement boys Hednesford will work in Stanley's favour.

"He could wait another month and not get a game," admits Preece. "It's best for Jai to get some games and make progress on his fitness.

"I gave him all the facts of what I was thinking and we had a good chat about what was happening.

"It was a decision up to Jai in the end. He will get some match-fitness, at the level we are playing at, which is what he needs. He's decided it's in his best interests.

"We looked at what's best for the rest of the season. He will go to Hednesford for about four or five games and come back for the last six or seven games.

"It gives him the best opportunity to stake a claim in the side once he comes back. That's the only reason he is going."

It has been a turbulent campaign for Stanley, suffering a right knee injury that required more surgery and kept him out of the reckoning for almost six months.

In a season where for long periods City have struggled to score, Preece admits that Stanley's creativity has been sorely missed.

Preece added: "Jai has great ability and can unlock defences. I felt at times that sort of ability has been missing this season.

"We know what a quality player he is. Unfortunately, Jai's had a really disruptive season and been unlucky with his knee.

"He wants to earn a contract for next season. I've said before, when he's playing at his maximum, he is a key player."

As part of the loan agreement, Stanley is ineligible when the struggling Pitmen host City in Nationwide North on March 25.