WORCESTER City have been dealt a big blow with the news that midfielder David Foy will need a cartilage operation.

Foy suffered a knee injury playing against his former club Tamworth last month, and a trip to see a specialist yesterday revealed the worst.

But manager John Barton remains upbeat ahead of their Dr Martens Premier Division clash with Cambridge City at St George's Lane tomorrow (3pm) despite seven first-teamers sidelined and a further two due late fitness tests.

City will be without the suspended Paul Carty and Leon Jackson plus the injured Mark Shail, Foy, Marc Burrow, Stewart Hadley and Asa Charlton.

In addition David Holmes and John Snape have been carrying knocks though Barton expects them to play. Pat Lyons will be fit despite being stretchered off in last week's FA Cup defeat at Hucknall.

"We must be positive and not let the injuries preoccupy us," said Barton.

"The circumstances with which we are operating are there to see but we have to make sure we don't dwell on them. I'm looking forward to the game and putting the FA Cup defeat at Hucknall behind us.

"Though we lost it was one of our best displays for a number of games and we need to build on that."

Teenager Dan Jones appears likely to be included for his full league debut and Barton is not worried about the youngster's ability to cope with the situation.

"As it stands Dan looks like he will start and it is an opportunity for him," said Barton.

"Starting games is different to coming on as substitute but I've every confidence in him and he certainly thinks he's ready -- I've lost count of the number of times he's knocked on my door telling me he should start."

With left-back Carty out, Barton is considering a switch to three at the back as they bid to regain top spot.

"Ultimately we are going to have to look at changing the format of the team," he said. "We've played three at the back before so it's not foreign to us and is an option we will consider."

Barton is continuing his quest to add new players but with cup competitions in full flow is finding it difficult to boost his squad.

"October is a difficult month and managers are just simply reluctant to let players go when they are still in cup competitions," added Barton.

"I can understand that but it just makes our job that much harder."