TEENAGE keeper Ethan Ross is set to make his home debut for Worcester City as they take on Vanarama National League North high-fliers Boston United at Aggborough tonight (7.45).

The 18-year-old shot-stopper, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, was in goal in the 3-1 defeat at Stalybridge Celtic at the weekend and looks likely to keep his place with Nathan Vaughan still sidelined after turning his ankle in training.

It will be a third appearance for the teenager whose one month loan was due to be extended this week.

He also played in the narrow 1-0 defeat at Harrogate Town last month.

Joint manager Carl Heeley said it was disappointing not to have Vaughan available but that he had confidence in his young deputy.

“In the two games Ethan has played for Worcester, he’s certainly not let us down.” Heeley said.

“He made a number of good saves at Stalybridge, including a penalty and, although he’s still learning his craft, he will be a very good goalkeeper.”

City are likely to be without a number of other first-choice players tonight with Dean Waldron joining the injury list after he was carried off following a bad tackle at Stalybridge.

Heeley added: “It’s fortunate it’s not a break but it is still badly bruised.

“He is able to put a little weight on it albeit with the use of crutches but the Boston game is too soon and he’s unlikely to be back for the weekend either.”

Connor Gater is another likely to be ruled out through injury, while fellow midfielder Sean Geddes misses tonight’s match through suspension.

Defender Tyler Weir made his second appearance from the bench at Stalybridge and could be ready to return to the starting line-up.

Heeley put Saturday’s defeat down to sloppy defending and warned that players would be given a chance to put things right tonight.

“There was nothing between the sides and it could easily have finished 6-6,” the manager said. “Their keeper’s probably made five or six superb saves. We made three basic defensive errors and were punished.

“They will have a chance to put things right against Boston. If we have any more performances like that, then we will have to change things.”