DOUBTS hang over the fitness of a number of Worcester City’s key players ahead of Thursday's derby with Westfields at the Victoria Ground (7.45pm).

Worcester face the prospect of being without defender Jordan Stoddart (knee) and winger Alex Tomkinson (hamstring) for the Midland League Premier Division clash.

Goalkeeper Matt Gywnne (back) and midfielder Mat Birley (hamstring) are also battling to be fit while attacker James Baldwin is likely to miss out through illness.

It has left manager John Snape with plenty to ponder over selection and his injury issues could force him to reshuffle his promotion-chasing side.

“Matt had to come off against Shepshed Dynamo and he didn’t train last night so he will need a proper fitness test before the game,” Snape said.

“Jordan has picked up an injury to his knee (in training) and is 50-50 for the game.

“It would be a massive blow (if he missed out).

“James has been ill for a couple of days so he is a doubt. Having him around the dressing room with a sickness bug probably isn’t a good idea with the games we have got coming up.

“Alex is also 50-50 with a tight hamstring. Mat lightly trained on Tuesday so hopefully he is fit for the game.”

Snape also does not expect to be boosted by the return of either midfielder Brad Birch or full-back Tyler Weir.

The experienced duo have signed dual-registration terms with Birch at Stourbridge and Weir at Redditch United.

“I have not chased either Tyler or Brad,” Snape said.

“They have got to decide whether they can make it but it would be nice if one of them contacted me.

“I would love to get Tyler or Brad back but if they are not available we will look at shuffling the squad.”

With concerns over several of his players Snape is set to dip into City’s under 21s to make up the numbers.

But Snape insisted he wanted to field the strongest team possible against mid-table Westfields as Worcester look to extend their six-match unbeaten run.

“There will be an opportunity for players who have had limited time on the pitch,” Snape said.

“Benjie Robinson, Joel Ambalu and Yannick Gomes will come into the squad plus Ethan Moran, Josh Willis, Hamilton Chiwara and Calum Harper.

“We have got players we can call on as the under 21s have been doing very well.

“We will go very strong for Thursday's game because we need to gain points.”

Worcester are seven points behind the top two but have two games in hand on second-placed Coleshill Town who lost 4-2 to leaders Bromsgrove Sporting on Monday.

With City’s trip to South Normanton moved to Thursday, April 19 (7.45pm), Snape’s men face nine matches this month.

“There are a lot of games to play but it is the same for everyone else in the league,” Snape added.

“It is about us and what we do in these next nine games.

“We have got to top up our points tally if we are going to gain promotion so we are not worried about other teams.”