SHABIR Khan will be among a host of players bidding to earn deals with Worcester City in the coming weeks.

It is nearly two years since the 26-year-old left-back suffered the cruciate ligament injury that forced him out of the game.

But, following a brief spell at Stourport Swifts last year and six months off to regain his fitness, Shabir returns to pre-season training with the rest of Carl Heeley’s squad on Tuesday.

“Shabir was here this time last year but wasn’t right so it will be good to have him back,” said assistant manager Matt Gardiner.

“He’s born and bred locally and everybody wants to see him do well.

“He hasn’t played for two seasons so we need to look at him.”

Shabir is expected to be joined by at least six other potential signings on top of the quartet — winger Danny Edwards, centre-half Lee Ayres and forward pair Simon Brown and Phil Green — who are already due to report back.

City, also still tracking striker Danny Glover, are remaining tight-lipped on their identities but believe they could be quality additions.

Gardiner, holding the fort while manager Heeley is on a summer break, said: “Several key targets have been identified and talks are at an advanced stage.

“We have spoken to a lot of players and are trying to be selective in the areas we want to strengthen.”

Next season’s fixtures for Blue Square Bet North side City and Premier outfits Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United are due to be released on Monday.