UNITED manager Nicky Cross last night threw down the gauntlet to striker Michael Campbell to prove he is ready for a first team start.

The former Alvechurch striker has caught the eye with a string of lively cameo appearances but his manager says playing from the start is a different story.

Former Solihull Borough striker Beagan, who has yet to add to his solitary goal this season was rested for the Birmingham Senior Cup tie at Rushall Olympic along with Harvey Willetts, Nigel Niblett, Richard Field and Mark Swann.

Beagan has been struggling for a few weeks after damaging a tendon in his knee.

Matt Jones, Nigel Brown, Mark Creighton and Jamie McWilliam all started and Gavin Barratt has been recalled from a loan spell at Studley.

Defender Paul West is targeting Saturday's daunting derby trip to Solihull Borough (ko 3pm) for a return to action after an ankle injury.

Forward Joe Dowling was unavailable again for Saturday's Paul Danks-inspired 2-1 win over Bilston and Cross said he was monitoring the situation to see if the former Solihull hitman could contribute to the season.

Redditch visit second placed Solihull with seven Borough old boys, including Cross himself, in the squad, and visit Chippenham next Wednesday (ko 7.45pm).