WORCESTER City have been dealt another crushing injury blow with the news that Ian Cottrill is to have surgery on his troublesome knee.

The versatile Cottrill could be out of action for up to three months, piling further pressure on manager John Barton's depleted St George's Lane squad.

Winger Jamie Hyde is also struggling with a dead leg ahead of City's vital Dr Martens Premier Division home clash with Cambridge City tomorrow (3pm).

"Ian's been fighting the injury since the summer but the specialist has decided he's got to go under the knife," said Barton. "He could be out for 10 to 12 weeks and obviously it's another blow to the club.

"I haven't got scope to make a lot of changes tomorrow except for getting a big improvement in the players' performances.

"We've obviously got some key players out like Paul Carty, Cottrill, Chris Greenman and in Mark Owen and Darren Middleton had, on current form, two of the best players in non-league football.

"It's a blow to lose them and the game can be cruel like that but we have to get on with it."

Barton also revealed he had been unable to agree terms with a possible transfer target, but added he had not given hope of landing the player.

"We've put our offer on the table, which has been rejected, but hopefully there might be some development next week," he said.

One change Barton could make is in goal where Danny McDonnell could be pressing for a place in the starting line-up after successfully completing a reserve match against Telford United on Wednesday night.

The 'keeper has not played for the first team since picking up a back injury in the 4-1 defeat at Kettering Town in City's second league match of the season.

Meanwhile, tickets for next Saturday's FA Cup first round clash with Rushden & Diamonds go on general sale tomorrow with the club confident they can meet the demand of supporters who do not come into the priority holders category.

"The club is aware that there are a lot of loyal regular supporters, who do not come into the priority holders category, that are concerned that they will not get a ticket," said a City official.

"We believe there are enough tickets left to satisfy all regular supporters that come to the game tomorrow, but we are advising they arrive early."

Turnstiles will be opening half an hour earlier than normal at 1pm and each supporter on the day will be entitled to two tickets.