WORCESTER City boss Carl Heeley admits he is still searching for his strongest 11 after a winless start to their season.

City secured only the second point of their Vanarama National League North campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 draw at FC United of Manchester.

Returning full-back Tyler Weir and midfielder Danny Jackman made their first appearances of the season at the weekend.

Defender Andy Gallinagh, forward Jordan Murphy and winger Chekaine Steele were recalled to the starting line-up after City lost 3-2 to Gloucester last Tuesday.

City are expected to make further changes for Saturday’s clash against Chorley at the Victoria Ground (3pm) with attacking midfielder Ebby Nelson-Addy suspended and full-back Cieron Keane likely to return.

Heeley believes his side have looked “a little bit rusty” in the opening five games but he feels their inability to sign players earlier in the summer had not helped their cause.

“When we get all of our players available to us, I think we will be stronger,” said Heeley, who has been without Connor Gater (toe), Richard Batchelor (thigh) and Kieron Morris (hand) through injury.

“We are still looking around for our strongest 11 and formation.

“That comes as a result of not having the players in place early enough in pre-season.

“You are still finding your feet into the season, whereas when you get your players in early you work on those things in pre-season so you can hit the ground running.”

After drawing 2-2 against Harrogate Town on the opening day, City lost 1-0 at Tamworth, 3-0 at FC Halifax Town and 3-2 against Gloucester before claiming a share of the spoils at FC United.

Despite failing to pick up a victory, Heeley insists he is not overly concerned by City’s early-season form.

“It’s not unusual for Worcester to start like this,” said Heeley, whose side only won one out of the first 10 games last season.

“We are not great starters and that is because we have to wait to get players in as we are not going to outbid clubs early in the summer.”

He added: “I see players who are still a little bit rusty but I see a squad of players who are all in it together. They are good, honest boys, who work their socks off for each other.

“We are creating chances and scoring goals and we could have scored more with a little more composure.”