WORCESTER City are sweating on the fitness of four key players before tonight's Dr Martens Cup first round clash with Blakenall at St George's Lane (7.45).

Defender Martin Weir and striker Carl Tranter could both be in line for returns providing there has been no reaction from training last week.

But midfielder Paul Carty, who is available again after suspension, is struggling to shake off a toe injury and striker Micky Cotter is nursing a badly bruised shoulder.

All four are expected to face late tests, while defender Chris Greenman is ruled out after dislocating his shoulder in training last week.

City are confident the match will go ahead tonight after Saturday's home Premier Division clash with Dorchester Town fell foul of a waterlogged pitch.

Manager John Barton had hoped to give some of his younger players a chance to shine tonight, but the postponement of Saturday's game may persuade him to field a stronger side.

He said of the postponement: "It was disappointing although there was nothing we could do about it. But you can see how close the league is in that we have dropped a few places without playing."

Western Division Blakenall will provide a tricky test says Barton: "Last season they went 2-0 up against us in this competition and we had a fight on our hands before we came back to win 4-2. Anybody that comes to Worcester from a lower division will be looking to put on a show -- they will be no different."

The Dorchester game has been rescheduled for Monday, January 29 (7.45).

City (from): McDonnell, P. Wyatt, Bradley, Jukes, Tucker, Weir, Heeley, Lutz, Carty, M. Wyatt, Cottrill, Owen, Cotter, Tranter, Reed, Hyde, Scheppel, Jefferson, Joyce.