WORCESTER City embark on their defence of the Dr Martens League Cup tonight with just one recognised striker available for selection.

Veteran Phil Stant has been ruled out of the first round clash with Rocester at St George's Lane (7.45) leaving just Mark Shepherd as City's only out-and-out forward.

Stant has been struggling for the last few games with an Achilles problem and manager John Barton is not going to risk the forward ahead of the Rushden first round FA Cup tie on Saturday.

City face a stern test tonight as Rocester, who are currently struggling near the foot of the Dr Martens Western Division, pulled off a surprise victory at high-flyers Solihull Borough at the weekend.

Teenager Lee Goodman could be given a starting place for City if Jamie Hyde fails to recover from a dead leg that he aggravated in the FA Trophy defeat at Mangotsfield.

Barton is considering starting with Shepherd supported by two wingers, which could signal a return to the team for another youngster, Dwain McFarlane.

Paul Carty is close to fitness but is unlikely to feature tonight.

"We can't afford to risk him putting himself out longer than we need, but Lee Goodman will be involved and could even start but it depends on Jamie Hyde," said Barton.

"Stant won't be playing because he's been struggling with an Achilles problem the last couple of games and which hampered him on Saturday and was visible by his own admissions.

"Because of our lack of strikers we have got at the moment we might look at a formation playing two wingers but we'll have to wait and see."

Barton said he is looking for a good result to inject some confidence into his side ahead of the Rushden & Diamonds FA Cup clash at the weekend.

"It's there to be defended and in the bigger picture we need a boost for Saturday," he said.

"It's been a big season up to now and every week we've something riding on the matches, but we've been plagued by injuries and as soon as we get someone back someone is out. There has been only one week where I've actually picked a team rather than it picking itself."

Barton's hopes of boosting his squad further collapsed last night when City could not agree a deal with his transfer target but fresh enquiries have been made about another player.

Tickets are still available for the Rushden match and will be on sale to at the ground from 10am to 5pm today and then at tonight's match.

After tonight tickets will be available from 10am to 5pm from the ground.

FORMCAST: City can win 1-0 desoite all their injury problems.