SAM Bowen's uncertain future at Worcester City will be decided at a crunch meeting with manager John Barton tomorrow.

The striker is under a cloud after being sent off for using his elbow during Saturday's FA Umbro Trophy tie at Telford.

Bowen's 18th minute dismissal, coming moments after Telford's opening goal, led to a crushing 4-1 defeat.

Manager John Barton made his feelings known immediately, dropping Bowen from the squad for Monday's 3-2 Dr Martens League Premier Division victory over Cambridge City.

"I spoke to him on Sunday evening and just said he would not be involved in the 14 on Monday," said Barton.

"I'm having a chat with him tomorrow and I'm not prepared to say whether he's part of my long-term plans at the moment.

"To be fair to him, it is a chance for him to give his side of it. Nothing is decided."

Bowen faces an automatic three-match ban starting from the trip to Bath City on March 11. And midfielder Paul Carty will also be ruled out of that game as he serves a one-match ban for accumulated bookings.

"It's yet another strain on a small squad and we've got some difficult fixtures coming up," added Barton. "It's a drag on a small squad of players and there's not a great deal of leeway."

Meanwhile, Barton is tracking experienced striker Jimmy Smith following his release by Gloucester City.

All Gloucester's contract players have left the club following a financial crisis that has seen their total weekly wage bill reduced to just £500. Manager Brian Hughes has also been sacked.

Smith, who joined Gloucester last summer after several prolific years at Cheltenham Town, has already spoken to Barton, while former City midfielder Paul Chenoweth could also be a target.

Barton said: "I have spoken to Jimmy to see what his situation is, but nothing more than that."

However, Barton said that players would still have to move out before he can bring any newcomers in. "The situation is still very tight, although it has eased a little bit with people that have left and with the extra games in cup competitions."