JAI Stanley admits he may need to bide his time before aiding Worcester City's play-off push.

The midfielder enjoyed his first senior start since September 10 on Monday, completing 120 minutes in the Worcestershire Senior Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Moor Green.

It was the latest stage in Stanley's bid for fitness following his third knee operation last December.

Previously, the 27-year-old club record signing tasted several reserve outings after a five-minute Nationwide North cameo at home to Lancaster City.

Stanley is ready and eager for a league return, especially this Saturday as City host his former club Moors once again.

But after such a long period on the sidelines, he is not expecting to slide back into City's in-form side ahead of Tom Warmer, Nick Colley and Geo-rge Clegg.

"I feel fine and I want to play every game," said Stanley. "But that's not down to me. We'll just have to see what the gaffer thinks.

"We are on a really good run and I cannot say that I deserve to be playing. The other lads have done well and I've not been playing.

"I've just got to be patient and take my chance when it comes along."

Stanley added: "It was good to get 120 minutes. I didn't set the world alight, but the main thing was to come through it. I felt reasonably strong and never felt tired."

He also performed the father figure role during the Senior Cup tie which City lost 4-3 on penalties, starting alongside rookies Gary Walker and Dale Watkins in midfield.

Nat Bulmer and Troy Wood also gave solid displays, offering a bright future for the St George's Lane club.

Stanley added: "The young players all looked really comfortable. They all have good attitudes.

"I played with Gary Walker last year and as soon as I saw him, I knew he was one to look out for. Troy was also on fire. People can't defend against that sort of pace and skill."