JOHN Coventry is hoping to be boosted by the return of an injured duo when East Thurrock United visit Worthing tomorrow.

Mitch Gilbey and Alex Clark have been on the sidelines in recent weeks, leaving Rocks with a shortage of options.

But Coventry believes the midfielders will be in contention to play a part in this weekend’s Isthmian Premier League clash.

The East Thurrock boss said: “Mitch Gilbey should return after suffering what we believe was a hairline fracture to his toe.

“Alex Clark is also likely to be available having been out since jarring his knee against Brightlingsea Regent last month.

“He landed awkwardly, with his leg being very straight and he was in a lot of pain.

“We were hoping they would come through training last night because then there should be no reason for them not to be involved.

“That will give us more strength in depth, which is important because we have a lack of numbers.”

Rocks and Worthing head into tomorrow’s clash deadlocked on 16 points and with only goal difference separating them from the play-off places.

And Worthing have recorded some eye-catching results at their Bibby Financial Services Stadium home this term, including a 6-0 defeat to Hornchurch and 5-5 stalemate against Leatherhead.

“In all honesty, I don’t know a lot about Worthing because we haven’t played them for a number of years,” added Coventry.

“They have an astroturf pitch and that isn’t ideal.

“But we played on astroturf at Cray Wanderers last weekend and put in one of our best displays.”