WORCESTER City plan to utilise a rare Saturday off as a bonding exercise for John Snape’s new-look squad.

City exited the FA Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Walsall Wood in the extra preliminary round, leaving this weekend blank ahead of a Bank Holiday Monday showdown with Stourport Swifts at the Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove (3pm).

The squad is due to assemble for training before breaking bread with the players thought to be planning a team meal in Worcester.

“They have to gel as a team. There are a few young faces coming through and getting together and getting to know each other a bit better will only help the bond that all teams need,” said Snape.

“Some of the younger lads are a bit shy which is normal, they are still learning the game and about life at 17 or 18 years old.

“Hopefully this will help that connection between the senior and younger players which should stand us in good stead moving forward.”

Snape is hoping his list of casualties will be reduced by the time City return to action but will be sweating on the outcome of medical assessment for two of his senior players.

George Forsyth is set to have a scan on his knee, while left-back Jamie Smith will undergo a similar assessment on a troublesome neck problem that has plagued him once more in recent weeks.

Player-coach Mat Birley was only fit enough for a place on the bench and was not used at Coventry Sphinx on Tuesday. Kyonn Evans was also sidelined with Nick Turton still out with a knee complaint picked up in pre-season.

Snape did not rule out the prospect of drafting in players and admits club doctor Rajpal Nandra has been worked overtime.

“Aaron White (City scout) introduced us to the doctor and he has had to deal with endless problems throughout pre-season,” said Snape.

“He has been fantastic and on the ball with so many things. The way he has looked after the lads has been a huge help.”

“I hope to have a few players back for Monday but you will have to ask the chairman whether we can go out into the transfer market,” Snape quipped when quizzed on his plans.

“The focus is on bringing through the youth so we will have to wait to see on that side of it.”