WORCESTER Raiders joint manager Karl Gormley has encouraged his players to press their case for a deal at Worcester City.

The two sides meet at Claines Lane on Monday (7.15pm) in what Gormley believes should be treated as a “trial” for his squad in front of visiting bosses Lee Hughes and John Snape.

Raiders play in West Midlands League Division One two levels below the Blue and Whites.

But Gormley is convinced some of his players have what it takes to represent City in the Midland League Premier Division.

“It is a massive game for our lads as it is a good opportunity for them to show City how good they are,” Gormley said.

“It’s like a trial. I think a couple of our players are good enough to play at that level.

“Nick MacPherson, who was one of our players last season, is on trial at Stourbridge so players are moving on to other sides.

“Obviously budget-wise we cannot match Worcester City so if our players can get a bit of money playing on Saturday then they will do that and I will support that.

“We will do what is best for Worcester City.”

Gormley says he also hopes the pre-season friendly will be the start of a strong relationship between the two teams.

“If ever Lee and John come to us and say ‘Can we have a look at so and so? We are more than happy with that',” said the 38-year-old who shares his managerial duties at Raiders with Martin Stephens.

“We are hoping it works both ways so some of the players that aren’t quite making the cut at City we can have a look at them and help each other out.

“We are the only (senior) Worcester club playing on Saturdays in the city at the moment so we want to build a relationship with them.”

Cash-strapped City have dropped three divisions after resigning from the National League and been in exile since 2013.

Gormley, who is a long-time City fan, says he has been saddened by the club’s demise but has praised Hughes and Snape for signing home-grown talent.

“They have got some local players there now and that’s what they need,” Gormley added.

“It will put extra numbers on the gate because now the likes of Brad Birch and Nathan Hayward are playing for them I will go and watch City even though they are playing at Bromsgrove.

“Both Brad and Nath played for me at WCT Raiders so it will be strange to come up against them on Monday.”