DEBUTANT Kennedy Digie “epitomised everything that was required” from a Worcester City player to battle through their injury crisis.

That was the view of manager Carl Heeley who hailed the on-loan midfielder’s “desire” and “work-rate” in City’s 0-0 draw with FC United of Manchester in Vanarama National League North.

The 20-year-old made his first appearance for City after joining on a one-month deal from rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

And Heeley was quick to sing the praises of Digie who has previously had loan spells at Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division sides Hednesford Town and Halesowen Town.

“Kennedy is only a young lad but he is 6ft 2in tall and is a powerful boy,” said Heeley who was without seven first-team regulars due to injuries and suspensions.

“I spoke to (Harriers coach) Matt Gardiner and he said he won’t let you down. He’s an athlete, works hard, is comfortable with the ball and you could see that on Saturday.

“I think he epitomised everything that was required from us as he just had that desire and work-rate and gave us a little boost.”

Heeley was also impressed by the versatility of Jordan Keane who filled in at centre-back in the absence of injured duo James Chambers and Tom Sharpe and the suspended Sam Oji.

“It is great that Jordan can play in the middle of midfield and at the back,” he added.

“He was big and strong, got tight to his man and when he had a bit of time his distribution was relatively good so I am really pleased with him and the rest of my players.”

Worcester could have secured victory as Chekaine Steele was denied by Adriano Basso before striking the inside of the post in the first half.

They were also awarded a penalty on 70 minutes after Cieron Keane was tripped in the box but Steven Craig’s spot-kick was saved by Basso.

The draw extends 17th-placed Worcester’s winless run to seven matches and leaves them hovering just three points above Bradford Park Avenue in the drop zone.

But Heeley insisted it was a “step in the right direction” after suffering a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Bradford last weekend.

“I have to take my hat off to the boys,” he said.

“We had seven players unavailable but they put a good shift in and were unfortunate not to win the game.

“With the injury situation and the suspensions we have got at the moment we have got to be relatively pleased with that.”

Heeley added: “Chekaine was really unlucky to strike the inside of the post and he had a good opportunity just before that but the keeper came out and smothered it.

“We finally got a penalty but unfortunately we could not take it.

“But after what happened last Saturday I didn't want to let it (late goal conceded) happen again when we got into the last minute of injury-time so we have moved forward.

“We have got a good point and I think we will get a lot stronger when we get players back available to us.”