JAMES Hanson is confident City possess the staying power to compete in the play-off race – but they must put their house in order quickly.

The big striker is eyeing a possible return from injury for Saturday's clash with rock-bottom Crewe.

A clash against the leakiest defence in the entire Football League offers City another chance to claim a first League One win at Valley Parade since the opening day.

Hanson admits the lack of home points is holding them back in a division which has "nothing to fear".

He said: "We'd be in a great position if we can sort out the home form. It's a massive incentive.

"I'm more than confident we can stay up there with the lads the gaffer has brought in and the system we're playing.

"It's more evenly spread this year and there are probably more teams fancying themselves to get to the play-offs. But we should have nothing to fear.

"I wouldn't say the division is as strong as last year, when you had Wolves and Brentford. There are a good 12 sides who are capable of getting promoted and we're certainly one of them.

"But we have to get our home form back on track to have a chance because away we've been magnificent. We don't want to waste that.

"Usually it's the other way round for us but hopefully we can sort it out. Do that and kick on away from home, then you never know."

Hanson enjoyed a prolific August with five goals from City's first seven games but he has not been able to add his tally since scoring in the win at Rochdale.

He said: "I've tended to start like that for the last two or three years, then I hit a struggling patch. I just want to get fit and carry on as I was doing.

"Things have been fine (for me) apart from the two home games we lost recently and I'm raring to go.

"I keep telling the physio that I feel I'm ready but the club obviously want to make sure that everything is right.

"Hopefully I can be involved on Saturday but it's down to whether they think I'm ready.

"The Barnsley game is a realistic aim for me. That's my definite target.

"You don't want to miss the Sky games coming up – the Yorkshire derbies will be great to play in."

Hanson has sat out the last four games since tearing a thigh muscle during shooting practice before City's league visit to MK Dons.

He recalled: "It was during my third shot and I hit the ball straighter on than I normally would and felt something go. It would have only made it worse if I'd carried on and tried to play.

"Luckily the lads did brilliantly to win that night and I was pleased for Azza (Aaron Mclean) and Billy Clarke to get their first league goals.

"That's what we're paid for as strikers – to score goals and make assists – so it was nice to see them both chip in and hopefully that will continue.

"I thought the injury would be something of nothing but then we went for the scan and they said I'd be out three to four weeks. I was gutted at the time but hopefully it won't be much longer now."