ASSISTANT boss Mick Tuohy has cited Cheltenham Town as an inspiration for Worcester City ahead of the Robins' visit to St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm).

In five short years the Gloucestershire side, now managed by former City boss Graham Allner, have risen from the Dr Martens Premier Division to the giddy heights of Nationwide Division Two.

Worcester's first pre-season friendly will have added poignancy for Tuohy with the return of Allner, who once sacked him as City coach.

But Tuohy, who played for Allner during eight seasons at Kidderminster Harriers, said: "I've got the utmost respect for Graham and though I have not al-ways seen eye to eye with him, I enjoyed my football days under his charge."

New City signings John Snape and David Foy are set to make their debuts but Pat Lyons is away for two weeks completing his coaching badge.

Mark Shail, who returned to pre-season training last night, is likely to be a substitute, while Stewart Hadley is set to miss the match after spending two nights in hospital with a hand infection.

Tuohy has a number of trialists at his disposal but has not yet decided which will play a part though former Cheltenham striker Duncan Willetts will as he is training with Torquay United.

Others include left-winger Jamie Edwards, who has been released by Bristol City, Grant Pinkney, a left sided midfield player formerly with Lincoln City, and ex-Kidderminster pair Dan Jones and Darren Henry.