WORCESTER City keeper Dan Jezeph is set to keep playing through the pain barrier with boss Ashley Vincent hoping “to find a period over Christmas to give him a rest”.

Any signs of Jezeph struggling were not obvious during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Highgate United, pulling off two vital saves during a first half which City ended 2-0 down.

READ MORE: Report, reaction and ratings - City 2 Highgate 2

It was Craig Jones being asked to take goal-kicks that raised the alarm but Jezeph soldiered on with understudy Gabriel Bajrami not called upon.

And Vincent plans to stick with his number one for tonight’s Midland Football League Premier Division trip to Boldmere St Michaels (Monday, 7.30).

Asked about the transfer of goal-kick duties, Vincent said: “That was us looking after Dan. He is okay and made a great save at 2-0.

“He had nothing to do in the second half, we protected him really well but he was out there putting his body on the line for himself, his team-mates and the club and I am grateful he is doing that for me as well.

“I am asking him to do that because I know he is a top-class goalkeeper.”

Asked if Jezeph had been playing through the pain barrier, Vincent replied: “Absolutely, he is.

“We are trying to find a period over Christmas to give him a rest. I know what he is like as a character and until then he will keep playing for me.

“As long as we are not making it any worse then we will continue as we are.”

It is not the only injury concern Vincent has to contend with after left-back Dan Okojie was withdrawn with hamstring trouble midway through the first half against Highgate.

He will be assessed with a decision as to how much of a part striker Demetri Brown, substituted with a hamstring problem in the midweek win over Romulus, can play yet to be made.

“We’re not sure whether Dan’s was a pull or it just became tight,” said Vincent.

“It was cold out there so we will have to wait for it to settle down and see how we go.

“Jamie Smith came in and did fantastically well and we have boys in the squad to call upon but it was unfortunate for Dan and Demetri Brown.

“Demetri’s hamstring was still tight and we couldn’t use him unless we were desperate. At one stage we thought about it but the boys did those two carrying injuries proud.

“Demetri will be involved (at Boldmere), in what capacity I’m not sure yet. Dan will have to be assessed.

“It is that time of the season, I am not going to cry about it. Everyone will have injuries, suspensions and squads that might not have 16 players in them but you still have to go out and perform like we did on Saturday.

“If we play like we did for the most part and cut out the mistakes – we cannot account for the fact Highgate had five players at six-foot-three and above – we won’t be far away.”