JOINT manager Carl Heeley expects Worcester City to face their biggest pre-season examination tonight against Birmingham City’s under 21s at Aggborough (7.30pm).

City are unbeaten in their warm-up matches, including clinching the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup after a 3-1 victory last Saturday against Redditch United.

Heeley said: “It will be another good test and probably our toughest in pre-season.

“We played them last preseason and they had very good players.

“We know we are playing against a Championship elite squad with players in and around the first team.

“It’s ideal to have a fixture like this at home in our final pre-season match to test exactly where we are.”

But the National League North outfit are without midfielder Danny Jackman and right-back Kyle Haynes (both holidays).

Trialist Ashley Vincent, who scored a stunning 25-yarder in a 2-1 win at Rushall Olympic on Tuesday, is on holiday for the weekend.

Heeley admitted: “It’s slightly frustrating that we have a few players on holiday but understandable with players who have children and work commitments.

“It happens but it does not help our preparation and does not improve their case to be in the starting 11 for the first game of the season.”

He added: “For Ashley, it is whether he wants to drop down to part-time football or whether he wants to find a new full-time deal. “He’s been a great lad and his attitude is first-class after playing at a higher level and he’s certainly a player who would interest us.

“We have one or two irons in the fire in the forward department and are looking at a loan option or possibly at making a player our own.

“It’s unlikely something will happen before tonight but it is still something at the foremost of our thoughts.”

Heeley said City would also be speaking to trialist Dan Lloyd-Weston, the former Hereford United keeper, over his future with the club.

Lloyd-Weston has been heavily involved in City’s pre-season programme.

The Blue and Whites have been on the look-out for a keeper to battle with Nathan Vaughan following Jose Veiga’s decision to leave.

Heeley explained: “The situation has changed since we first spoke to Dan and we are hoping to come to a firm yes or no with him tonight.”

Blues’ under 21s drew 1-1 against Solihull Moors on Tuesday. Spokesman Colin Tattum said: “The game is designated development squad/under 21s friendly.

“The first team have their last pre-season friendly on Saturday against Leicester City at St Andrew’s so the team will comprise of younger players.”