ROB Warner has set himself the simplest of targets for next season -- to score his first ever Worcester City goal.

The club's hard-working full-back, who signed from Nationwide Conference side Tamworth last summer, enjoyed a consistent first term at St George's Lane.

Clocking up more minutes on the pitch than any other Worcester team-mate, Warner donned the blue and white shirt 50 times in all competitions and started 40 of City's 42 league games.

It is of considerable credit to the former Hereford United trainee that he turned out in force time and time again, because he struggled with an injured foot for two-thirds of the season.

But while the 28-year-old impressed down the right flank, often stemming the threat of an opposition winger in one move before sending over an inch-perfect cross the next, the hunt is still on for a Warner goal.

"I'm still looking to get my first goal," admitted Warner. "For me, it's gone from getting a goal a season to just a shot on goal!

"But under Andy Preece, I've played a lot more as wing-back. I like that because I'm encouraged to get forward a lot more and put some good balls into the box for the strikers.

"But I think it's about time I did score my first goal for Worcester -- maybe next season."

Warner was the major injury worry for player-manager Preece heading into the summer.

During a training session prior to the final game of last season, Warner was suspected to have damaged his medial ligaments.

Preece left him on the sidelines for the 3-0 away defeat at Gainsborough Trinity, but signs are encouraging that Warner requires extensive rest on his right knee, rather than an operation.

The break from football will also provide Warner with ample time to heal his problematic right foot.

Warner added: "I had a bang on my right foot against Stafford early on in the season and I should not have played for the next couple of weeks.

"I carried on with the foot as it was for the next two or three months. Another bang on it would have really slowed down the healing process.

"It was uncomfortable and quite disappointing, because I never really felt 100 per cent going into games. Sometimes, you also have it nagging away in the back of your mind.

"I had to get through it because with a smallish squad, I could not afford to miss any games.

"Adam Webster had a similar problem with his ankle, but it was OK for him because he was banging in goals left, right and centre!"

Another footballer with a disliking for pre-season training, Warner is already shuddering at the gruelling schedule awaiting the squad before and after their return on July 1.

Warner added: "I'm having a nice little month off with the pre-season regime! Everyone was given a regime after we had our assessments at the end of the year at the University (College Worcester).

"We've also got a diary for the first week of pre-season. Looking at it, I think we'll all be living in Worcester for the first week!"