Workington Reds manager Dave Hewson finally has a welcome headache – with players returning to the fray.

And it is perfect timing as the squad heads into their FA Cup clash at Knaresborough tomorrow afternoon (ko 3pm).

But Hewson admits that Niall Cowperthwaite is unlikely to feature and the game will still come too early for Sam Smith.

“Finally, we have a squad which gives us selection problems,” said Hewson.

“We have boys coming back now with just Sam Smith and Niall Cowperthwaite going to be missing. So, we do have a selection headache but it is a really welcome one.”

Reds also have the added incentive of a £9,000 cash pot waiting if they can win the second-round qualifying tie.

And Hewson said it is all down to them, as they look to put behind them their disappointing loss last weekend at the hands of Hednesford in the league.

“The key for us is just to get the atmosphere positive again, we need to raise the spirits,” said Hewson.

“We have to go into this cup game full of confidence because it is a huge game for the club, for myself and Lee [Andrews] and for all of the players.

“I just feel that now it is all down to us. We will do our homework on Knaresborough, like we have to, but our message to the team and players is very much going to be about how we approach the game.

“At the end of the day, we are the team in a higher league.

“I know it doesn’t mean anything in the FA Cup but we have to go in there and stamp our authority on the game and look to do what we do best.”

Knaresborough ply their trade in the Northern Counties East League Division One and play at Manse Lane.

The north Yorkshire outfit are preparing for their first-ever appearance in the second round qualifying of the FA Cup.

And they have seen off Ashington (2-0), Blyth AFC (5-1) and Kendal Town (7-3) to book an historic home tie against Workington.