TIM FLOWERS says young goalkeeper Alex Palmer should shake off an injury in time for the start of the Vanarama National League.

The gifted shot-stopper, who joined the club on-loan from West Bromwich Albion, has picked up a thigh strain.

He missed Saturday morning’s 2-0 win over a youthful Albion side in a behind the scenes friendly, which saw Reece Styche bag a brace.

Dean Snedker, who played against Bedworth in midweek, deputised and impressed former England keeper Flowers.

He said: “Alex unfortunately picked up a thigh strain in training, it was tight from the physical training.

“He went back to West Brom and they’ve said he should be fit to play in two weeks.

“He’s gone back as part of his contract but Dean Snedker, a boy I knew from Northampton, has come in.

“He played against Bedworth and did very well at West Brom, he’s been very pleasing.

“At the minute we’re waiting to see what happened with Alex.”

Flowers felt the younger players who played in the 1-0 loss at Stourport Swifts put in a good shift.

Paul Hurrell’s first half goal sealed an often frenetic affair but was one of the game’s few clear but chances.

“This was the same sort of team we sent to Romulus and Bedworth, it’s a very young group.

“There were some seeds that were sown at the start of pre-season and they are taking it on board.

“There was a lot of good approach play but at the business end, other than right at the end, I don’t remember any.

“Stourport defended deep and in good numbers and we weren’t quite cute enough to get around them.”