BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT boss James Webster is keeping his fingers crossed over the fitness of star striker Phil Kelly.

Kelly has had an injury-plaged start to the season but is currently firing on all cylinders.

He scored another brilliant trademark goal - his seventh of the season, making him joint top-scorer with Ben Newson - in Saturday’s 4-1 success against Great Wakering Rovers.

And Webster hopes the front man can enjoy an extended run in the side - continuing with tonight’s Essex Senior Cup fourth-round showdown at Romford.

“Phil’s such an important player for us and him coming back into the fold has given everyone a lift,” said Webster.

“He’s got real quality and scores goals from nowhere, as he did on Saturday.

“We miss him when he’s not in the team but he keeps picking up little injuries at the moment.

“That’s why we brought off towards the end, with tonight in mind.

“He says he’s fine at the moment and we want to keep it that way.”