STEWART Hadley has been given the go ahead to step up training but is unlikely to pull on a Worcester City shirt until the end of September at the earliest.
The former Kidderminster Harriers' striker, who has been struggling with an Achilles injury since the end of last season, is still hoping to avoid surgery after seeing a specialist.
St George's Lane boss John Barton said it was case of keeping fingers crossed but did not expect to see the 28-year-old in action for at least six weeks.
"The specialist told Stewart to push on and step up training and see what reaction we get," he said.
"It's good news but having said that it is still a case of keeping our fingers crossed.
"He will build up slowly because he hasn't trained properly since two months from the end of last season.
"If Stewart has a good month of training it is still going to be the end of September before he will be ready for first team selection."
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