JOHN Snape predicts the battle for places in Worcester City's midfield to be just as hot as the temperatures currently sweeping the county.

City manager John Barton is blessed with a number of options and Snape has warned that failure to produce the goods will cost players a place.

Among the challengers for a midfield place will be Mitch Counsell whose displays in pre-season have impressed Snape sufficiently enough for him to claim that the 21-year-old will be unlucky not to earn a starting place in City's league opener against Havant & Waterlooville next week.

Snape, himself still bursting with enthusiasm at 34, is backing the former Hellenic League player to succeed at St George's Lane.

"He's done well and is a threat to a number of positions in midfield," said Snape. "He's very busy, wants to get on in the game and I think he's a winner.

"He's not far from pushing for a place anywhere along the midfield.

"Early doors he occasionally wants to do too much but he's got the right temperament and I think he will be unlucky if he doesn't start the season but I don't pick the team. John Barton does and I think he's got a nice problem on his hands."

The arrival of Leon Kelly and Barry Woolley from Ilkeston Town has also been a boost on the eve of the new Dr Martens Premier Division campaign.

"I think John has added well to the squad and he's done it at the right time," added Snape.

"It will take them a couple of weeks to bed in but Leon has done very well and looks sharp and lively.

"His arrival adds more competition for places, and probably even more so in midfield with Darren Middleton and Adam Webster ready to challenge.

"It's a healthy situation and it's up to the players to perform but John has given himself some great options."

"It's important we get off to a good start to the season to give us a chance of doing well because you can lose it in the first couple of months if you are not up there," added Snape.

"I think it's going to be difficult for the teams coming up but it's a very open championship and I think seven or eight teams could be in with a shout."

City slipped to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Hellenic League side Bishop's Cleeve in their latest friendly last night.

Darren Middleton netted in the 56th minute for City after they had trailed to two Andy Keveren goals at half-time.