WORCESTER City’s team selection for tonight’s trip to bottom-of-the-table Hyde (7.45) will be made with one eye on Sunday’s FA Cup showdown against Scunthorpe United.

The Blue and Whites are back in Vanarama Conference North action after beating Barrow 3-0 on Saturday to knock the league leaders out of the FA Trophy and extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches.

But manager Carl Heeley is expected to utilise his squad for the rearranged Ewen Fields encounter in a bid to protect players ahead of the second round clash at Glanford Park.

Right-back George Williams came off late against Barrow because of a rib injury, while central defender Graham Hutchison cramped up and could also be left out. However, Wayne Thomas is available following suspension and Shabir Khan could be called on again following his return to the team.

The Pakistan international, who has been on loan at Stourport Swifts after missing a chunk of last season with a groin problem, completed 90 minutes against Barrow and earned the plaudits of his manager.

Heeley said: “I thought Shab was outstanding. He’s one of those players who keeps getting injuries and having operations, but he keeps coming in and working hard.

“Every time you play him he gives you everything he’s got and he never lets you down, I thought he was magnificent.

“We will have a look at what players we’ve got available and pick a team that doesn’t jeopardise our chances too much at Scunthorpe, but also gives an opportunity to continue our fine run.

“Willo and Hutch will be doubts, but we’ve got options. It doesn’t really matter who we play where at the moment, the squad are full of confidence and doing well.”

City’s triumph over Barrow, which puts them in the hat for today’s first round draw, was worth £4,000 to the club and also ensured there would be no long trek to Cumbria tomorrow for a replay.

They almost found themselves with a clear week ahead of the Scunthorpe match but a last-gasp goal from Hyde captain Alex McQuade gave the Tigers a 4-3 Trophy win at Tamworth on Saturday when a replay beckoned.

McQuade’s goal gave Hyde, who only have seven points from 19 games, their first win in five.