NICKY Clee rarely lets Bradford (Park Avenue) down, and his manager Mark Bower knows how lucky he is to have the veteran.

The midfielder is currently playing out of position at left-back, but did a sterling job last time out in the 1-1 draw at Chorley in the National League North, earning an early penalty, which was missed by Oli Johnson, and setting up a late equaliser for Luke Rawson.

Despite the return to fitness of natural left-back Mitch Lund, Bower admits Clee may continue in that role for tomorrow's league clash at Gloucester City.

The Avenue boss said: "Nicky has the one thing that's hard to teach, genuine quality.

"He can make things happen, which he showed at Chorley by winning the penalty and setting up the goal.

"He had a few little injuries in pre-season, but we're lucky that's he's come back stronger and fitter from those and has played consistent games of late.

"Nicky brings quality on the pitch, but he's also a great teacher and leader."

And Bower added: "Mitch was back for Chorley, but we put him and Luca Havern at centre-half and moved Mark Ross to right-back, as Nicky is doing such a good job.

"Chorley's right winger was tucking inside during the match, so that allowed Nicky to get forward, which he's so good at, and just gave us a different dimension.

"We have a very small squad, so having versatile players like Nicky and Adam Nowakowski, who's available again, is really useful."

Clee and his team-mates face a lengthy trip down to Gloucester tomorrow, but Bower said: "The lads are used to long away days.

"When I started playing at this level a decade ago with Guiseley, you'd have trips to the likes of Histon and Bishop's Stortford, so you know you'll be putting in the miles a few times a season.

"They're often good days, as everyone comes together on the bus, which is excellent for team spirit, and then if you win, it's a great atmosphere, where you can have a few beers and a good laugh."

Avenue will expect three points at second-bottom Gloucester, who have lost 3-0 at Gateshead and 9-0 at Chorley in the last few weeks.

But Bower said: "We know how good Gateshead are (having lost 6-2 to them in the FA Cup last month).

"They're as good as anyone in the league on their day and can pull you apart with their passing and movement.

"And with the 9-0, Gloucester went down to 10 men early on and when I spoke to the Chorley manager, he said everything they seemed to hit that day went in, so these things can happen.

"Gloucester have changed their manager since their last league game too, so they're a bit of an unknown quantity, in terms of how they might play or line up.

"It meant we couldn't really research those things, but we've prepared as best as we can and we've just got to apply ourselves properly."

Bower, who is hopeful of bring in some new signings over the next fortnight, said both Matty Downing (knee) and Lucas Odunston (ankle) are doubtful for tomorrow.