STUART Whitehead is in line to return to the Worcester City team for tomorrow’s trip to Hinckley United (3pm).

The captain was replaced by Rob Elvins three minutes into the second-half of last Monday’s 2-1 home defeat against Brackley Town to protect tight hamstrings.

However, the former Telford centre-half is ready to link-up alongside Jacob Rowe for the Blue Square Bet North clash against the Knitters.

Midfielder Charlie Reece is also pushing for a start after appearing as a sub at St George’s Lane.

It is a match manager Carl Heeley is not taking for granted despite the huge gulf of 17 places and 19 points between the sides, with Hinckley already seven adrift at the bottom of the table.

With just one win to their name all season — a surprising 2-1 success at Boston United in August — Hinckley are having a tough time of it.

Under caretaker boss Carl Heggs following last month’s resignation of Dean Thomas, they have lost their last two games 5-0 at Gainsborough and 3-0 at home to Gloucester City.

On paper, it is a three-point banker for Worcester but Heeley insists form will count for nothing at the Greene King Stadium.

He said: “We will take nothing for granted. I know Hinckley and their manager Carl, who was a tough competitor.

“I had some battles with him and can’t imagine he will be any different in management.

“I know what he will instil in the team so we are on our guard for that.

“Hinckley’s troubles have been well-documented but it doesn’t really matter because of personal pride. You can put your cares to one side on the pitch and play the game.

“There comes a point when you accept you won’t get out of trouble and you play with all the freedom in the world.

“We have to boss the game and get the first goal or two, then we have a great chance of winning.”

City’s record in Leicestershire has been mixed, coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2 last December and losing 3-1 in April 2011.

But Worcester are buoyed by last weekend’s 2-1 triumph at Boston and they held on to fifth place despite the Brackley reverse.

Defender Lee Ayres (knee) is available again but striker Danny Glover (Achilles) is doubtful.