HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling says his side have missed holding midfielder Ryan Lloyd who has been out with a back injury.

The 28-year-old who began his career at Port Vale is in his second season with the Bulls but has missed the last three matches injured.

Gowling says the midfielder is back in training but may miss Saturday’s game against Southport.

“(Ryan) Lloyd was back in today (Thursday) doing a bit of work,” said Gowling.

“It’s his back. During the Guiseley game he felt something going in his lower back, his muscles locked up so Aaron (the physio) has been working with him.

“When you start getting to 28 I think your back starts playing up.

When asked if Lloyd is fit enough to play on Saturday, Gowling replied: “We’ll see.

“He got through some stuff today in training with Aaron. So we’ll see how he goes. We’re not sure if it’s going to be a bit too soon for him.

“He’s been out for two weeks now. We’ll see if there is any adverse reaction from today and then make a decision on that.”

Gowling says Lloyd, who has rarely missed a game this season, goes unnoticed at times but Hereford have missed him the last two weeks.

“I think Lloyd is one of those players whose work goes unnoticed,” Gowling added.

“He understands our patterns, he’s good at picking up second balls, he’s good aerially. He’s a physical presence in the middle of the park and passes forward well.

“When you don’t have him in the team you really notice his presence is not there. I think we’ve missed him and he’s an ever-presence since he’s been here, he’s played pretty much every game.

“He’s not a player who gets injured so it’s a weird one that it’s his back. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s started working or what I don’t know.

“He worked a little bit last year but I think he’s started a job again and working a bit more. Working and then playing as intensively as we do you’re bound to pick up something from time to time.

“He’ll be okay, he’s a big and strong boy and will be back in no time.”