There is no pressure on the returning Scott Allison, insists Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Newcastle Benfield.

The striker looks set to be named in the starting line-up for the first time since a hernia operation in the close season, with Jason Walker still missing, serving his second game of a three-match ban.

Allison, last season's top scorer, came on off the bench in the 2-0 defeat at Warrington on Tuesday night.

And Hewson believes his name on the team-sheet is a huge confidence boost for his team as they take on the Northern League outfit.

"It is a real positive to have Scotty available for selection," said Hewson.

"He will play and that is a big bonus and lift for us but that's not to say the responsibility is all on him.

"However, I know to have him there will give the other players a real lift. It is just great to have him back and hopefully he gets through as much of the game as possible."

Hewson says he is looking forward to Allison finally teaming up with Walker once the latter's ban is over.

And he believes they can be a real potent strike force for Reds as the season gets into gear.

"Scotty has been such an integral part of our team for the past four seasons plus," said Hewson.

"And sometimes we take it for granted what we are going to get from him.

"He is a phenomenal player and has been for many years now and crucial to us and he knows how important he is to us.

"By bringing Jason in, we hope it can take some of the pressure off Scotty as we have relied on him so much for so many seasons.

"We have brought Jason in alongside him to be as prolific as Scotty has been.

"They are not together at the moment but when we get them both firing and playing in the same team, it will make a big difference to us."

Hewson reiterated how important it is for Reds to get back on track in the FA Cup tomorrow - not just for the cash prize at the end of the game.

With £6,000 going to the winners, then Saturday’s first qualifying round tie will be strongly targeted by both teams.

But after a poor performance at Warrington, Hewson is calling on the players to stand up and be counted in the north east.

And he states that the priority for his side has to be for them to bounce back at the first attempt.