DOUBLE player of the season Steve Perkins is back in the frame for Hayes and Yeading United this weekend but manager Garry Haylock emphasised even he will have to play his way in.
Perkins, who was undoubtedly United's star performer last season, has not made a single appearance this term after injuring his calf in the final warm-up game with Solihull Moors.
The team certainly missed the 33-year-old in the opening two Conference South games but since then United have racked up a record six successive wins. Perkins played 70 minutes for the reserves last week but had a slight reaction to the injury and was not involved in last night's (Tuesday) Setanta Cup tie at St Albans.
"When he's fully fit he's got to get his match fitness and prove he can do the job," warned Hay-lock, who takes the team to Dorchester Town on Saturday. "We've moved on from last year and nobody can demand to be in the team.
"He's got to wait for an opportunity and then take it, which is the same for everybody."
Perkins would surely strengthen the midfield but Haylock will have to shuffle his pack to get him in and Steven Gregory and Ram Marwa have impressed so far, while Will Hendry, who has done an admirable job filling in as a second striker, is a better central midfielder.
However, four into two obviously will not go and with United's injury list beginning to clear up the manager will have some difficult decisions to make.
Neil Martin's month-long loan spell is due to end any day and despite his arrival coinciding with the start of the team's winning run, Haylock indicated he is not certain to stay, even if Exeter City decide to release the left-back.
Martin has done a fine job in the absence of Toby Little and new signing Leon Solomon but Solomon is back running following his broken ankle, and Little could be only three weeks away from a return from his knee problem. Club captain Nevin Saroya is also back in contention this weekend and keeper Delroy Preddie is fit and was on the bench on Saturday.
