RAY Woods is standing by for a shock Worcester City call-up in tomorrow's Dr Martens League Premier Division clash with King's Lynn at St George's Lane (3pm).

The former Coventry City winger, who was released by the club in the summer of 1999, could figure tomorrow in the wake of a massive injury crisis.

Woods, who spent two seasons at St George's Lane, re-signed for the club this season to play in reserve matches only.

Manager John Barton said: "He has done OK for the reserves and we are a bit thin on the ground. He may have a part to play tomorrow."

Another returning player is utility defender Marc Burrow, who recently rejoined the club from Bromsgrove Rovers. Burrow, who made a handful of appearances under George Rooney's management, could also come into the reckoning.

Youngsters Wesley Joyce (leg) and Jamie Hyde, who needed seven stitches in a head wound, are both ruled out.

They were both injured in the midweek FA Umbro Trophy defeat against Hendon, joining Carl Tranter, Andy Ellis and Chris Greenman on the sidelines.

There are also doubts over winger Ian Reed, who missed the Hendon game with a calf injury, midfielder Steve Lutz (ankle) and defender Andy Bradley (back).

But midfield man Ian Cottrill and winger Mike Wyatt both trained last night following calf injuries and could stake claims for recalls to the starting line-up.

On-loan full-back Allan Davies will return after being ineligible for the Hendon defeat, while central defender Martin Weir is expected to shake off a bout of 'flu.

Barton said of his injury problems: "It is not ideal but we have to get on with it. You don't get any help from any other clubs -- we have to sort it out ourselves."

Barton is likely to leave it until the last minute to finalise his line-up, saying: "The situation with personnel at the moment is such that it is difficult to formulate a team."

City will be confident of victory over King's Lynn to stay in the title shake-up -- they are currently seventh, eight points adrift of leaders Burton Albion.Tomorrow's game is the first of four in the space of nine days for City -- they travel to Halesowen Town on Boxing Day.