DAVID Holmes has set himself the target of being involved in Worcester City's squad for their opening league game of the season on August 16.

The forward, who underwent surgery on both groins last month, was due to return to reserve team action at Pershore Town today more than five months after he played his last competitive game for City.

However Holmes admits it may take a bit of time to recover his touch after such a prolonged absence. "It's been a while so obviously it is going to take time to get my touch and get fit," he said.

"But I just plan to work on the basics and not set any targets other than to try and be involved in some way for the first match of the season."

Meanwhile full back Allan Davies, who also had groin surgery over the summer, is in the frame to play in City's friendly against Second Division QPR on Monday night.

Davies could even feature in today's Pershore match but would ideally like to get another training session under his belt before sampling some match action.

"It's going quite well but I'd like to get another training session and then possibly have half a game on Monday," said Davies.

"The groin was a little bit stiff on Thursday but I haven't kicked a ball for three months so I expected that."

Pat Lyons is continuing to make progress in his recovery from surgery on a hip flexor muscle and was due to see a chiropractor following his workout on Wednesday.

Absent manager John Barton returns to take charge against QPR on Monday and his assistant Mick Tuohy admits he will be glad to hand over.

"It's been an experience and I can understand the pressure John Barton gets but as much as I've enjoyed it I'll be glad to hand back to him," he added.