GOALKEEPER Ethan Ross is poised to be handed his first start in more than two months when Worcester City take on AFC Telford United at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground today (3pm).

The West Bromwich Albion youngster’s likely inclusion for the Vanarama National League North clash comes after Ryan Boot joined Macclesfield Town on loan yesterday.

Boot, who has been City’s number one for the last 10 matches, was named on the bench for Port Vale’s Checkatrade Trophy tie at Doncaster Rovers in midweek after his loan agreement ended.

After the game, manager Carl Heeley said it was “not out of the question” for City to retain the services of Boot, who has been key to his side’s revival, securing six clean sheets.

However, the 22-year-old has agreed to make the move to the National League Silkmen on a month’s loan.

With City stopper Nick Draper currently on loan at Bedworth United, Boot’s departure looks set to open the door for Ross.

The 19-year-old, who is on loan until January, has featured six times this season but he has not played since Worcester’s 5-3 victory over Alfreton Town in early September.

Experienced striker Steven Craig (groin) has been ruled out today, while Heeley admitted defender James Chambers (hamstring) “was still a number of weeks away” from making a comeback. However, with City not in action last weekend, it has allowed centre-back Graham Hutchison, who sustained “two nasty cuts” near his eye in City’s 3-0 win over Altrincham two weeks ago, to return to full fitness.

Heeley said the break had also given his players the chance to recharge their batteries ahead of a busy run of fixtures towards Christmas.

“We have worked on things and the training sessions have been good,” said Heeley, who has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of winger Connor Hughes from Halifax Town.

“Sometimes, stepping off and having a little bit of respite from games is a good thing as they do come thick and fast, so we are all recharged and ready to go today.”

It will be the third time City have faced Telford this term having met in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

They drew 0-0 at home before Worcester ran out 3-1 winners at the New Bucks Head Stadium.

Telford are two places below the Blue and Whites in 15th place after back-to-back defeats.

Heeley added: “With the greatest of respect to Telford, I am not bothered where they are in the league.

“We have played Telford twice already this season, so we know all about them and likewise they know all about us, so I don’t expect today’s game to be any different to the other two.

“It will be competitive and played in a good spirit but hopefully we can keep our recent form going, certainly at home.”