DANNY Hodnett still has a bright future at Worcester City despite being loaned to Evesham United, according to manager Andy Preece.

The 19-year-old defender trained with Evesham on Wednesday evening and is set to make his Robins debut tomorrow in the Southern League Premier Division fixture against Cheshunt.

Preece allowed Hodnett to join the Common Road club to gain first-team experience.

The signing of Dennis Pearce, Shabir Khan's emergence and Chris Smith's return from a knee injury has forced the former Kidderminster Harriers player down the City pecking order.

Hodnett's move to Evesham does not spell the end of his Worcester career, though, as Preece considers the teenager part of his long-term plans.

"We just need Danny to get competitive games under his belt," said Preece. "We've let him go to Evesham, who are playing in a good league, and we will take it week by week.

"But that does not mean he is on the way out -- far from it. He is very much part of the future here.

"Smudger (Chris Smith) has got through the reserve game with Feckenham on Wednesday and Shabir is back in the side. That's the reason for Danny going to Evesham.

"He has done well this season whenever he's been called upon. He's not let us down once and that is why he is still in our plans."

Graham Hyde faces a further spell on the sidelines following a recurrence of his groin injury.

City's veteran midfielder has struggled with the injury for over a month and is certain to miss more Nationwide North games.

Preece said: "It's so frustrating for us and for Hydey. He's suffered a recurrence of his groin/stomach problem and he's going to see a specialist.

"We've rested him for three weeks, which we were told, and he felt no pain. But he's felt a bit of discomfort again since then."