MANAGER Graham Hyde will be putting friendship aside as Redditch United prepare to tackle St Albans City at home in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Reds chief is looking forward to catching up with striker Paul Furlong, who is currently playing for City, but only after the game has finished.

The two became friends during their time at Birmingham City but Hyde is keeping focused on Redditch bouncing back the 4-1 defeat to Hitchin Town.

“My first game in charge was against St Albans and I caught up with Paul then,” Hyde said. “It’ll be good to see him after the game but before then we’ll have to put the friendship to one side.”

Hyde is hoping some of his injured players may be back in time for Saturday’s clash.

In recent weeks they have been without captain Tom Warmer, Alex Hickman and Tesfa Robinson but the manager is hopeful he will get at least two of these players back.

Hyde was also keeping his fingers crossed that he will be able bolster his squad ahead of the clash.