GLOUCESTER boss Dave Mehew is looking forward to welcoming his big three back as his team look for revenge after Saturday's defeat at the hands of Redditch United.

Blue Square North rivals Redditch are due at the Corinium Stadium for New Year's Day and could face a stronger Tigers side.

Matt Rose, Neil Mustoe and Tom Webb all return to the starting side, much to the relief of Mehew.

He said: "The main thing is they are back because we have missed them.

"We have learned from every team we have lost against. We lost to Gainsborough then beat them at home, we drew with Hyde then beat them at home and that is what I will be telling the lads."

But another injury worry is looming with fears over the fitness of midfielder James Palmer.

Mehew said: "He is showing signs of a hernia which is something we need to keep an eye on.

"He has had it since the beginning of December and we don't want it to get as bad as Sean Seavill's.

"It has got worse which explains why he has not been playing at his best."

Student Sam Ellis is not available for New Year's Day but will be back in the squad after January 9. Loanee striker Ben Hunt will appear and Mehew is hoping to see him work well with Mike Symons.

"I can see the beginning of a partnership there," he said.

Mehew said although he was not looking to bring new players in within the next week, injury worries were at the forefront of his mind.

He said: "We might need back up for Palmer and Will Morford is still injured.

"The twins Callum and Brandon Prece will be involved against Redditch. It is a learning curve for them at the moment and they will carry on playing and training like all the others like Jack Twyman, Brett James and the rest of them.

"I speak to Kenny Blackburn (Gloucester City Youth Team Coach) when I need cover for a particular position and he sorts me out."