WORCESTER City manager Carl Heeley has urged his players to “release the shackles” and entertain the faithful.

After retaining their place in Vanarama National League North last Saturday, City host play-off side AFC Fylde, who are third, at Aggborough today (3pm).

“We will take the game seriously but there has been a lot of pressure on the players in the last few games to get over the line,” Heeley said.

“We have played some great football at times and it has been a roller-coaster season, so it would be nice if we could finish off on a high.”

Centre-back Wayne Thomas will begin his three-match ban following his red card against Bradford Park Avenue earlier this month.

Striker Kyle Perry is struggling with a groin problem, while midfielder Connor Gater is doubtful with a knock.

But Heeley said right-back Sam Minihan, who missed City’s 2-0 defeat at AFC Telford United with a hamstring strain, is “very optimistic” about playing in the club’s final game at Aggborough before their move to Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground.

Promising winger Alun Webb could also be handed his first start since joining from Loughborough University last month.

Heeley added: “I have been wanting to have a look at lads like Alun for a while but to gamble on unproven players in situations where points are at stake would have been too big of a risk, so today will give us an opportunity to look at one or two lads.”

Former Premier League striker Deon Burton will end his playing career after today's clash.

Heeley said the 39-year-old, who has been player-coach at the club, has decided to hang up his boots at the end of City’s league campaign.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Burton scored goals for a host of clubs, including Portsmouth, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic.

The forward also netted 12 times in 56 appearances for Jamaica and represented his country at the 1998 World Cup in France.

After being released by Scunthorpe last year, Burton had spells at Eastleigh and Brackley Town before joining City in September.

During his time at the Blue and Whites, the former Jamaican international played 31 times and scored nine goals.

Heeley said it was an “honour” to work with Burton, who is also a coach at Birmingham City, and hopes City fans will give him a “great send-off” at Aggborough.

“Deon will be hanging up his boots after today’s game,” he said.

“It is personally an honour that I have had an opportunity to work with such a great lad like Deon and a super professional who has had a wonderful career.

“He has played in a World Cup and is finishing off his career playing for Worcester and we should all respect that and congratulate him.

“He gave us some wonderful memories and scored some vital goals that have contributed to us achieving our goals this season.

“Hopefully, all the fans will join me and all the rest of the lads and staff in giving him a great send-off and thank him for what he has done for us in his short spell at the club.”