CRAIG Wilding says that he is ready, willing and able to return and lead Worcester City’s goal-shy attack.

The former skipper has found himself playing a deeper role in Richard Dryden’s plans this season, yet he is still the club’s leading scorer with three goals.

With Marco Adaggio, Matt Dinsmore and Rob Elvins only netting two apiece so far this campaign, the City chief is desperately hunting a new striker.

Dryden has not ruled out restoring the former Chesterfield player to the front-line.

Wilding knows that he didn’t have the greatest success in front of goal last season — he only netted seven goals in 41 appearances.

“I don’t think anyone had any great success last season,” Wilding said. “Of course, I would have liked to have scored more goals, but it is a case of moving onwards and upwards now.

“If the gaffer wants me to go back up-front then great — I do miss putting the ball in the back of the net.

“But I’m more than happy playing in midfield, in fact I’m quite enjoying it and I have chipped in with a few goals.”

City have only scored 11 times in 12 Blue Square South matches going into today’s clash at Hampton and Richmond.

However, the St George’s Lane outfit are creating a number of chances that just need tucking away.

The 27-year-old will be hoping that he can rediscover the form of the 2006-07 campaign when he netted 19 times, one more than he has scored in the last three seasons.

“Whoever plays up front, they just need to make the right decisions and the goals will come,” Wilding said.

“We are looking a pretty solid side at the moment, we just need to start converting our chances.”

Despite Monday’s exit from the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat to AFC Telford United, Wilding feels confidence is high in the squad.

Having been outclassed in the first 45 minutes against the Shropshire side, City came out in the second-half and should have at least taken the tie to extra-time.

“We were disappointed to lose that match,” Wilding said. “The performance we put in during the second-half of the replay is something that we can build on.

“We matched one of the better teams in Blue Square North and we have to make sure that we continue that.

“It would have been nice to have a cup run, but what we have to focus on now is that we start climbing the table and perhaps have a good run in the FA Trophy.”