ANDY Preece insists first-team opportunities will arise next season for Worcester City's rising stars.

Youngsters coming through the ranks at St George's Lane have been promised a look-in, especially after a triumphant 2004/05 term for the academy side.

City's teenagers, coached by youth development officer Ray Woods, landed promotion to the Midland Floodlit League Premier Division and reached the competition's cup final for the first time in 20 years.

The academy has proved successful in producing stars for the senior set-up, with current squad members Shabir Khan, Lewis Skyers and Liam McDonald examples of those making the grade.

Player-manager Preece does not boast one of the largest Nationwide North squads and, in times of an injury crisis, may be forced to call upon the club's apprentices.

The former Bury manager, who earned a reputation for blooding young talent at Gigg Lane, acknowledges the door is wide open for City's youth players.

"The young lads have got a chance next season," said Preece. "We have got a really small squad and I'm going to have to look at the younger players at the club.

"There will be opportunities for them, because I believe that if they are good enough, they will come through.

"We are going to look closely at the youth team system and the youngsters in the reserves. Hopefully, we can bring one or two young players through."

Meanwhile, former Kidderminster Harriers defender Danny Hodnett will be keen to grab his chance at Worcester after being taken on trial.

The 18-year-old right-back, who spent a short spell at Solihull Borough last season after being released from Aggborough in March, trained with City last night and could figure in the club's pre-season friendlies.

Hodnett was registered as a non-contract player for Harriers' unsuccessful fight against relegation last season but only turned out for the reserves and youth team.

Preece said: "We are just having a look at him. I feel we are a little bit short and have not really got anybody who can cover at both right-back and in the centre. Danny is that sort of player.

"I'll only probably be looking at one or two trialists over pre-season, but he is the only one at the moment."

He added: "Everybody has come back looking really fit, probably better than when they left for the summer. I'm delighted with their attitude.

"They have all kept themselves ticking over and each stuck to their individual programmes. If we keep on working hard in training, it will give us a good base heading in to the new season."