JAMES Hanson’s return tomorrow will give City a timely lift after back-to-back defeats, according to Phil Parkinson.

The key striker is set to lead the line again for the Valley Parade clash with improving Crawley, the final dress rehearsal before next weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final.

City have taken only one point from the three games he has missed, including Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Peterborough.

Hanson warmed up with fitness coach Nick Allamby before the game but Parkinson, who brought back Andrew Davies, did not risk putting him on the bench.

But the City boss insists his top scorer will be available tomorrow night – and his presence will be a welcome boost after dropping out of the play-off places.

Parkinson said: “He was close on Saturday and we could have probably put him on the bench. But it was a difficult one because his injury was slightly worse than Dava’s.

“But he’ll be fit for tomorrow, which will be good for us and hopefully can help get us back going again.

“We need to get a result on the board before the cup game. We don’t like losing, especially two on the bounce, but we’ve had plenty of good times this season. This has been a bit of a low for us.

“We’ve got a terrific group of lads, they care immensely and it hurts them as much as me when we lose. We just move on to tomorrow night and hopefully go into Saturday with a good result.”

Filipe Morais also went through some fitness work at Peterborough but Parkinson admits it will be a race against time to make the Reading clash. The winger is not expected to be ready for tomorrow.

He added: “Fil is doing well. He’s a bit behind Hans in his recovery but he’s getting closer.

“We’ve had it scanned and it’s not a major injury. It’s going to be touch and go (for the FA Cup) but Fil’s so determined to get back.”

Davies produced a typically fearless display in a scrappy game at London Road, where City have still never won in 15 visits.

Parkinson was delighted to see the centre half thundering into challenges again, although he was punished for the free-kick that led to Peterborough’s first goal.

“I thought Dava was great. He jarred his knee a bit but he was immense.

“(Physio) Matty Barrass was very confident with his hamstring and he called it right.”

Jordan Pickford failed to deal with Jon Taylor’s free-kick for the opener, which went in off Stephen Darby. Posh sealed it with a late penalty after the ball bounced up and struck Billy Knott on the arm.

Parkinson said: “We were solid in our shape but things aren’t going for us in these last couple of games.

“We were masters of our downfall in the first half against Swindon and then the second period was very good.

“Saturday was a very tight game but there was a free-kick that wasn’t and we conceded a goal, then a penalty that was so harsh.

“It’s difficult for me because I don’t want to keep moaning about referees. People will say you’re like a broken record but we’re certainly due something to go our way.”