PAT Lyons could play in tonight's friendly with Bedworth United at St George's Lane just 48 hours after fears his ankle was fractured.

The Worcester City midfielder was forced to return to hospital on Saturday after his bruised ankle deteriorated during the week, forcing him to miss Friday's 2-1 win at Solihull Borough.

Manager John Barton admitted the news on Lyons was a boost ahead of next Saturday's league opener against Hastings, especially with Stewart Hadley still struggling with an Achilles problem.

"It was a tremendous relief because Pat's ankle had actually worsened during the week but the X-ray showed no sign of breakage or serious damage," he said.

Full-back Allan Davies is also set to play after successfully completing 45 minutes against Solihull following his return from ankle surgery.

Barton has been pleased with City's pre-season work-out but insists there is still plenty to do, including cutting out silly errors at the back.

"Individually performances have been better but we are still conceding goals too easily," he said.

"We have to cut out silly goals -- any side wanting to do anything shouldn't have to be scoring two or three goals just to win games."

Mark Owen's return to goalscoring form with strikes against Stourport and Solihull, has been one of a number of plus points for Barton.

"Friday night was a good work out and there were a few plus points to leave people a bit happier over what they have seen," he said.

"What is in no doubt is that this is the best squad of players I've had at the club since I returned to City in terms of quality.

"Now I would like to address the quantity side of it and hopefully add a few more players."

Trialist Jamie Edwards is set to feature in this evening's game while Mark Shail and Leon Jackson are also expected to have run outs along with the rest of the side made up of members of Ray Wood's youth squad.

Tonight's match, which kicks off at 7.45pm, was arranged as part of the deal that brought Adam Webster to St George's Lane from the Greenbacks.