DAVE Boddy insists Graham Hyde's future lies at Worcester City despite interest from Nationwide North rivals Kettering Town.

Poppies' boss Kevin Wilson made an enquiry to sign veteran midfielder Hyde, who joined City earlier this summer from Hereford United, but his approach was balked by chairman Boddy.

The 34-year-old was absent from training on Thursday, after his father suffered a heart attack, and he also missed Saturday's 7-0 FA Cup thrashing of Bemerton Heath Harlequins at St George's Lane.

Kettering successfully purchased City old-boy Christian Moore before the start of the season and the signing proved a hit, with the striker bagging seven goals in his first six matches.

But Boddy has ruled out Hyde joining Moore at Rockingham Road.

"Kevin Wilson spoke to me and made a polite inquiry about Graham," said Boddy.

"But we intimated to him that he is not available.

"We are not prepared to lose the player. Graham joined us in the summer and is part of Andy Preece's long-term plans.

"Graham missed training on Thursday because his dad had a heart attack. He was very poorly and that was the reason Graham did not play on Saturday."

Meanwhile, Hyde's midfield team-mate Jai Stanley received a welcome boost after scans on his injured right knee indicated that there is no need for surgery.

The 26-year-old playmaker previously required two operations on the knee and it was feared Stanley would go under the knife again.

Although the outcome of the player's latest setback is better than first thought, doctors failed to clear up the precise damage done to the knee.

Worcester player-manager Andy Preece said: "There are little bits around his knee but maybe nothing that needs repairing. It's now a matter of strengthening his knee. On one hand it's good news, but on the other hand, Jai wants to know exactly what the problem is."

Two other midfielders, Nick Colley and Liam McDonald, suffered hamstring twinges during the FA Cup drubbing, which led to Worcester drawing Ryman Division One side Tonbridge Angels at home in the third qualifying round.

Colley was replaced by 16-year-old academy youngster Sam Wedgbury after scoring Worcester's second goal.

Preece revealed the injury is not too serious and is hopeful that the former Tamworth man is fit to face Lancaster City in Nationwide North on Saturday.

Justin Thompson may also figure at the Giant's Axe, but the Canadian international defender is pressing for a deal at Scottish Division One side Dundee.

Preece added: "I think there is going to be a decision at Dundee this week.

"Justin wants to play at a higher level, but if something does not work out for him, then it could be a longer-term thing with us."