MANAGER John Barton admitted fearing the worst after Pat Lyons was carried off during a reserve team game over the weekend.

However, the St George's Lane boss is hopeful Lyons will make his first team debut for Worcester City at Stourport Swifts tomorrow after an X-ray revealed severe bruising.

The midfielder was injured during the reserve team clash at Mickleover.

"We sent him to hospital on Saturday as a precaution, but we were all sweating on it," said Barton.

"Fortunately there is no break, just bad bruising and I am hopeful that he will be able to take part in the friendly at Stourport."

Despite the injury Barton was upbeat about Lyons' display. "Mickleover contained seven of the Belper side we played in the FA Cup last season and Pat was absolutely magnificent the best I have ever seen him play," he commented.

City have released two more trialists following Tom Radcliffe's departure last Thursday. John Shirley and Grant Pinkney have now left St George's Lane.