REDDITCH United’s star striker Jermaine Hylton is set for a spell on the sidelines as he battles to recover from a groin injury.

The former Birmingham City frontman has been playing through the pain barrier for the last few weeks, so manager Liam McDonald has decided to take him out of the firing line in order for him to recover fully.

It is a setback for the Reds, who are keen to bounce back after their shock FA Cup qualifying defeat to Evesham United.

After a 0-0 draw on Saturday, United lost 1-0 at the Valley Stadium by George Washbourne’s winner in Monday night’s first qualifying round replay.

Goals have been a problem for Redditch and they have not scored in three games.

“Jermaine has been playing at 50 per cent because of his injury so we’re giving him two weeks’ break away,” said McDonald.

“He’s not as mobile as he normally is and his speed is being affected.

“It’s better to let him get over this injury, which he’s had for a while, because Jermaine is one of the best players in the league when he’s fit and firing.

“But it’s an opportunity for someone like Jamie Spencer to have a run of games and show what he’s capable of.”

McDonald is also set to try and freshen up his squad ahead of Saturday’s Southern League Premier clash at Hitchin Town on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Edwin Ahenkorah and Rikardo Reid were set to go out on loan, with Redditch keen for them to go out on loan at as high a level as possible.

“We’re trying to get Edwin and Rikardo out on loan at clubs at a level below,” said McDonald.

“It’s important they get some games and it will allow me bring in one or two players to freshen up the squad.”

Defeat to Evesham on Saturday saw them miss out £3,000 in prize money but the Reds manager wants a response.

He said: “It is disappointing for the club and supporters.

“We didn’t produce and the players were all disappointed.

“Evesham came with a game plan but they took one of the five chances they created over two games.

“I felt we were the the better side overall but we didn’t create as many chances as we normally do. Now it’s massively important get something from the Hitchin game.”

Redditch go to Coventry Sphinx in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Monday.